Maritzburg’s form of defence is attack

Trusted formula kept Birds at bay

Without discrediting Maritzburg United’s defence, coach Fadlu Davids believes it is the way his side attacks that makes them one of the teams that concedes the least in the league.

Maritzburg have conceded only 13 goals in the league thus far, making them the second least-conceding side behind Kaizer Chiefs (12) with only 10 games to wrap up the campaign.

“We do not play defensive football. We really try to press teams higher up the pitch to keep them away from our defence,” said Davids.

“Yes, at times, like against bigger teams, they force us in a deeper situation but our defending structure is from the front. It [their impressive defensive record] is all because of how we attack,’’ said Davids after his side needed extratime to advance to the Nedbank Cup last 16 at the weekend.

Maritzburg fought hard to beat ABC Motsepe League campaigners Swallows FC 3-1 at Dobsonville Stadium on Saturday.

The Team of Choice scored through Andrea Fileccia (brace) and Mxolisi Kunene, while Tshepo Mashigo netted for the Birds.

Davids also lauded his defence, marshalled by the experienced central defensive pairing of Siyanda Xulu and Bevan Fransman.

“Yes, players like Fransman, Xulu and [Richard] Ofori [the goalkeeper] help us a lot but it is the team’s effort from the front when we press teams. That has been our main situation why we have this good defensive record.’’

Fileccia, meanwhile, stepped up for Maritzburg who are still trying to fill the void left by influential striker Evans Rusike who joined SuperSport United last month.

“Rusike is a fantastic player. We miss him a lot but we are not going to replace him now.

“You saw Fileccia scoring great goals [on Saturday]. We still have Mohau Mokate who came on and did well,’’ said Davids, 36, the youngest coach in the Absa Premiership.