Team of Choice hope to lift first trophy
‘THE Team of Choice”, as they are referred to by their fans, will look to do the city of Pietermaritzburg and KwaZulu-Natal proud on Saturday when they contest the Nedbank Cup final.
The team under rookie coach Fadlu Davids have already made history by reaching their first domestic cup final and will look to go one further when they clash with Free State Stars, another surprise finalist, at the Cape Town Stadium at 7pm.
Formed in 1981, the club have come a long way from the days of the now-defunct Federation Professional League and find themselves on the cusp of winning the country’s national cup competition, which has a financial reward of R7 million for the champion.
The winner also qualifies to represent South Africa in the African Confederation Cup.
The team have enjoyed a renaissance under Davids this season, having secured an unprecedented top four place in the Absa Premiership, the highest position in the club’s history.
Their attacking brand of football with exciting youngsters has not only drawn the masses to Harry Gwala Stadium but also made the entire football fraternity take notice.
Reaching this final is more than just a milestone for the men in blue and white. It has invigorated the city of Maritzburg and the province. Fans have endeared themselves to the team and provided unconditional support.
The final appearance will enhance this further and possibly even land the club an official sponsor, which owner Farook Kadodia has been pleading for.
The fact that United have done so well without a marquee sponsor is testament to the will, courage, passion and determination of this club.
The team even had dark moments to deal with, having had three top players die in the past three years.
Davids, a former player himself, has worked wonders and figured out how to get the best out of his squad. His man-management, cool demeanour and charismatic personality have been hallmarks of the current campaign.
The team fully deserve their final place after a gruelling road to the final. After beating Moroka Swallows 3-1 in the round of 32, they edged Royal Eagles 2-1.
They went on to beat fellow PSL outfit Bloemfontein Celtic 2-1 in the quarter-final before thumping the best team in the country, recently crowned league champions Mamelodi Sundowns, 3-1 at a packed Harry Gwala Stadium. Chairman Kadodia told
“It is a joy for us to be involved in the Nedbank Cup final and an incredible milestone for the club. We have come a long way since the days of the Struggle and it is great for the brand.
“We owe it to the people of the city and dedicate this achievement to the fans who stick with us through thick and thin. We pray that corporate business will come to the party with sponsorships.”
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Kadodia lamented the fact that the game was in Cape Town.
“The game is so far away that it will be tough for our fans to attend. We urge the government to help get fans into buses so that they can support us in the final,” he said.
In an offensive strike of note, Davids and some key members of the team are now in the Mother City to drum up support with some marketing and promotional activities.
As much as they are worthy finalists, Davids shrugged off the favourites tag: “We are definitely not favourites for the final. Free State Stars have been in finals before and they have more experience in their squad, players with a pedigree in cup finals.
“Perhaps Bevan (Fransman) and Siyanda (Xulu) have been in finals. For the rest, it’s their first time in a final.”
Defenders Fransman and Xulu have been solid and their experience for clubs locally and abroad, and for Bafana Bafana, will be key to guiding younger teammates like Siphesihle Ndlovu and Lebohang Maboe during crunch moments.
The club have organised several packages for supporters who want to travel to the final. For details of the transport and accommodation options, call the Maritzburg office at 033 345 5666.