Veteran playmaker Kurt Lentjies decided matters with a fine free-kick in the 84th minute at Harry Gwala Stadium for his sixth goal of the season. In the first half, Citizens goalkeeper Shu-Aib Walter did well to deny Mondli Dlamini and Lebohang Maboe early on, while Aubrey Ngoma had a chance for the visitors in the latter stages but Kwanda Mngonyama pulled off a great defensive block.

The defeat sees City, with 49 points from 26 matches, slip two points behind log leaders Bidvest Wits, who later edged fellow championship contenders Mamelodi Sundowns 1-0 at Bidvest Stadium. Maritzburg remain seventh on the table with 35 points from 26 matches - two points shy of sixth-placed Polokwane City, and four ahead of eighth-placed Orlando Pirates, who have a match in hand.

TEAMS

Maritzburg: Vries, Fransman, Sanoka, Mngonyama, Weidlich, Makaringe, Lentjies (Shabalala 89'), Ndlovu, Dlamini (Saal 64'), Maboe, Mokate (Fileccia 55').

City: Walters, Johannes, Gumede, Kobola, Jayiya (Masina 36'), Ngoma, Putsche (Koapeng 85'), Mokeke, Seedat, Manyama, Majoro (Moseamedi 62').