Maritzburg boss upbeat

SPORT

OT even a cloudburst before Saturday evening’s PSL fixture between Maritzburg United and Kaizer Chiefs could dampen spirits of the 12 000 fans who ventured to Harry Gwala Stadium.

The turn-out at the venue meant the “house full” signs had to be posted and latecomers were left high and dry out of football action.

But the shut-out on fans has prompted United’s club chairperson Farook Kadodia to make a fresh call for the stadium’s capacity to be increased.

Kadodia believes they could have had more “bums on seats” for the Chief’s encounter, which they lost 2-1, had the venue been able to accommodate more fans.

In previous seasons, United moved big money spinning games against the likes of Chiefs and Orlando Pirates to Durban’s Moses Mabhida Stadium and Port Elizabeth’s Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium. But not anymore. “Although we had many requests to play the game in Durban, we stuck to Harry Gwala because we have loyal “Rainbow Nation” supporters right here in Pietermaritzburg.

“It would have been a slap in the faces for our fans if the game was played at another venue,” Kadodia reasoned.

Kadodia said he and his executive had to draw a line and consider the value they were bringing to the people of Pietermaritzburg.

And they had pinned their hopes on talk that the local Msunduzi Municipality were considering bumping up Harry Gwala’s capacity to 18 000, with grandstand seating behind both goal mouths.

“That would be great for the Maritzburg United’s brand and City’s appeal, if it happened,” Kadodia said.

In spite of the aQuelle Midmar Mile being all the rage in the Midlands over the weekend the good turn-out confirmed football’s pulling power in the area.

And Kadodia said the ill-fated Mamelodi Sundowns/Orlando Pirates game produced action of a different kind, while their contest with Chiefs produced the best football thrills of the weekend.

He was disappointed that his team finished the match empty-handed, but they only had themselves to blame. The first half ended goalless. Kadodia said the result could have ended in their favour had his team used their chances in this period of play.

Chiefs opened the scoring five minutes into the second half when Willard Katsande headed home from a set-piece.

United’s push for an equaliser bore fruit in the 73rd minute through Mohau Mokate, who prodded past Itumeleng Khune in the Chief’s goal.

However, with about 10 minutes remaining, Simphiwe Tshabalala was on hand to finish off a sweeping Chiefs move.

“Perhaps we should have not pushed for the winner and settled for a point. That’s how Chiefs got the deciding goal,” explained Kadodia.

The result meant that United have only collected a point since the season resumed, last week.

In their previous match, United drew 1-1, away to Polokwane City.

“We should have won that match. Dubious officiating prevented us from collecting all three points against Polokwane,” complained Kadodia.

Despite their scant returns from those two outings, Kadodia is upbeat his side will earn a Top 8 place finish at the end of the season.

“Finishing in the Top 8 is our season’s priority and if we make a cup final, that would also be welcomed.

“I believe coach Roger De Sa, who joined us recently, and the squad of players we have, will be able to achieve the mandate we’ve given them.”