By Nkareng Matshe at the Super Stadium, Atteridgeville
SuperSport United (1) 1 (Umony 33)
Wits (1) 2 (Haskins 27, Kadi 68)
Gavin Hunt's fears that a party mood at this stadium would disorientate his team were justified, but nothing - not even defeat - could stop SuperSport United from annexing the SA Premiership for the third time.
United have hardly needed help in retaining their place at the top throughout the season, but they got it from an unlikely source on Wednesday night as Jomo Cosmos' victory over Mamelodi Sundowns rendered this loss to Wits largely irrelevant.
Noise levels at the Super Stadium increased markedly as soon as news filtered through that Cosmos had scored a second goal against Sundowns, and songs saluting the champions resonated throughout Atteridgeville.
Hunt had expressed reservations about the Premier Soccer League setting up a stage and parading the trophy at the Super Stadium and he had a point because his players simply didn't pitch on an evening when they were expected to crown what has been another fantastic season with a fine display.
It was not to be, however, and, even though firecrackers were set off and that huge stage emblazoned with the word "champions" was set up mid-pitch, the mood was largely subdued.
But United players needn't have been disheartened by one bad performance. Theirs is a remarkable feat that only one South African team - Sundowns - have achieved.
To win one league title is great; to win three in succession is momentous and reaffirms Hunt - now the only Premiership coach to have retained the title twice - as a meticulous trainer.
Looking pensive throughout, United conceded first and remained on the back foot as Wits, who had been terribly off-form of late, emerged out of their shell to produce arguably their best performance of the season.
They took a deserved 27th-minute lead through Mark Haskins, whose stunning 20-metre effort gave Emile Baron no chance.
United were rattled but they responded quickly, Ugandan Brian Umony's headed goal coming five minutes after Haskins's ripper.
Roger De Sa's team found the second goal on 68 minutes through Calvin Kadi, who had not scored since October. The striker tapped in Fabricio Rodrigues's cross as the United defenders - normally watchful - ball-watched and allowed the latter's pass to find Kadi unmarked at the far post.
Whatever the case, a team who led the table for 18 weeks deserve the championship and not even Sundowns would complain that they lost out to the best side in the land.
RESULTS:
Swallows 1, P Stars 0
Arrows 1, Ajax 1
Cosmos 2, Sundowns 0
Chiefs 2, Aces 0
Santos 0, AmaZulu 1
SuperSport 1, Wits 2
FS Stars 0, Maritzburg United 0