United were the better side for the opening 20 or so minutes, outweighing Wits in terms of attacking prowess and shots on goal.

There was nearly a goal with only second on the clock for debutant Prince Olomu, but his header struck the bar, following a pin-point cross from Diyo Sibisi.

Further shots were to follow from Sibisi and Felix Obada, while at the other end of the field keeper Tashrique Goldman made some brace interventions.

But despite United’s dominance, it as Wits who were to draw first blood, very much against the run of play in the 29 th minute – a cruel blow on the Team of Choice.

Debutant Mbulelo Mabizela inflicted the damage, tasking advantage of some slack marking at a free kick to steer the ball home from six yards out.

United started the second half positively as Sibisi had his shot tipped the bar.

Maritzburg, who had been pushing forward, especially through the hard-running Felix Obada down the right, got the goal they deserved when Sibisi netted from the penalty spot, following Patrick Pungwayo’s hand ball.

But the Clever Boys were soon back in front when Derrick Spencer arrived at the back post top head home Thando Mngomeni’s free kick – again United being exposed at a set piece.

Yet Maritburg were to fight back again, as Wayne Matle, on debut, showed great strength and purpose to ride two challenges before slotting in from a tight angle, his cause helped by the fact that Wits keeper Emile Baron had gone to ground.

The Team of Choice pushed hard for a winner in the closing stages, but just could not break down the Wits defence, well lead by Mabizela.

United: Maritzburg: (4-4-2) Goldman; Petersen, Hendricks, Diouf, Matuka; Obada, Morton (Matle 59’), Madondo, Lawrence (Ncubeni 69’); Olomu (Davids 83’), Sibisi

Wits: (4-4-2) Baron (Murambadoro 81’); Mngomezulu, Spencer, Mabizela, Phungwayo; Rodrigues (Mngomeni 73’), Sibande, Sib. Vilakazi (Fredericks 62’), Myeni; Jayiya, Sif. Vilakazi