Burgess, ostensibly the team manager, is always named in Otago's squad and showed his value, bringing back memories of the day he scored five goals in one national league match.
The match kept spectators on the edge of their seats, and had coach Malcolm Fleming pacing along the touchline like a caged lion.
"After a brilliant 30 minutes when we gained a 2-0 lead, and might have doubled that, we completely went to the pack in the second spell," Fleming said.
"We showed guts and character to climb back in the last eight minutes, when we had slipped to 2-3 down, and our season looked to be over.
"There was a strong wind on or backs blowing lengthwise, but it was no advantage. Manawatu dominated that spell, and at 3-1 down, we might have slipped to four or five down."
A study in contrast was Manawatu coach Bob Sova, whose team was missing five regulars, conceded two goals, then battled to within an ace of winning.
Sova was choked after the final whistle and could not make comment.
Otago's bright early spell suggested that the home side could have doubled its 2-0 scoreline, as passes flew to feet, and Chris Anderson, James Govan and Ant Hancock led an incisive attack.
Manawatu's defence was well led by former Otago player Colin Falvey, but as Tristan Prattley speared in devastating crosses, the visitors buckled.
Striker Anderson shot Otago ahead after 21 minutes, then the lofty skills of Liam Lockhart were augmented at low level when three minutes later he volleyed in a right wing corner.
But just before the break, Joachim Rande made it 2-1 from a narrow angle to boost the visitors' halftime team talk.
A revitalised Manawatu swept Otago aside in the second half, and after Willie Hodge scored to equalise, Michael Fraser rammed in what looked like a 3-2 winner with eight minutes to go.
Only a couple of spectacular saves by Otago keeper Adam Highfield kept Otago hopes alive, then Andy Coburn ignited the match with a powerful run and shot that left keeper Matt Borren clawing thin air and the match was even at 3-3.
End-to-end play threatened a win for either side, then showing unexpected pace, striker Burgess latched on to a through ball, and calmly slotted the 93rd-minute winner before doing a lap of honour waving his shirt to the ecstatic Otago crowd.
Otago United: 4
Manawatu: 3
