AMAZULU's miserable start to the season worsened last night when a Cuthbert Malajila second-half double condemned them to a 2-0 defeat by Maritzburg United at Harry Gwala stadium.

Usuthu are camped at the bottom of the Absa Premiership log without victories or goals in two league games. It is a start that will not please the club's bosses, who had set their ambitions as high as a fourth-place league finish this season.

It was evident last night why they have struggled to score in the new season - in both cup or league football. Their players were lazy to get into the box. Pinging long balls towards new signing Sifiso Vilakazi was their only attacking plan, which failed each time as he was well marked by the lanky Mario Booysen.

Veteran winger Delron Buckley woke the fans on the hour mark when he weaved past three defenders and fired a stinging left-footed shot which Mbongeni Mzimela coughed up. Malajila, one of United's outstanding players last season, reacted quickly to the loose ball and fired in the opening goal. He increased the lead a few minutes later when he latched on to a through-ball from Mthokozisi Yende, on loan from Kaizer Chiefs.

Free State Stars scored a late goal to seal a deserved 2-1 victory over Chippa United at Athlone stadium.

Paulus Masehe gave the visitors a first-half lead, but Welcome Qalanto equalised for the Chilli Boys minutes later. The game looked to be heading for a draw when Moeketsi Mvula scored his first goal for Stars, helping them to maintain their 100% league record this campaign.