Maritzburg United off to winning start in Motsepe Foundation Championship

Maritzburg United got off to a winning start in the Motsepe Foundation Championship with a 1-0 victory over Milford FC on Friday.

The Team of Choice were relegated from the DStv Premiership last season after a poor run of form.

Maritzburg failed to avoid the axe to the second-tier league alongside Limpopo-based outfit Marumo Gallants.

Elsewhere, the University of Pretoria [AmaTuks] had a false start to their push for automatic promotion to the SA’s top flight.

AmaTuks suffered a disappointing 2-0 defeat to Hungry Lions on Saturday at Isak Steyl Stadium.

The Tshwane-based side were looking for a positive start to the campaign after having an underwhelming showing last season.

Tlisane Motaung-coached club fell short in the Championship title chase after finishing eighth on the log.

Meanwhile, the NFD newbies Orbit College claimed a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Platinum City Rovers.

North West-based outfit promoted to First Division after winning ABC Motsepe League national playoffs

JDR Stars and Venda Football Academy played out a goalless draw at Thohoyandou Stadium on Saturday.

Furthermore, Marumo Gallants, who also got relegated from the DStv Premiership, began life in the Championship with a 2-2 draw against Casric Stars on Sunday.

Stars missed out on promotion to the elite league after they fell short in the promotion/relegation playoffs.

Despite making it to the semi-finals of the CAF Confederations Cup, Gallants failed to retain their PSL status after finishing at the basement of the Premiership log last season.

MOTSEPE FOUNDATION CHAMPIONSHIP RESULTS:

Pretoria Callies 0-0 Black Leopards

NB La Masia 1-0 Upington City

Maritzburg United 1-0 Milford FC

Venda Football Academy 0-0 JDR Stars

Orbit College 2-1 Platinum City Rovers

Hungry Lions 2-0 AmaTuks

Casric Stars 2-2 Marumo Gallants

Magesi 2-1 Baroka FC

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