Davids brotherly effort propel Maritzburg
Fadlu gives Maahier fair share of credit
Many have credited Fadlu Davids for transforming Maritzburg United this season, but he feels he would not have thrived without his younger brother and assistant coach Maahier Davids.
Maahier, 32, had a successful spell at Ajax Cape Town where he served as the Under-19 coach between 2012 and 2015.
“Not all PSL coaches have the luxury of having an assistant coach who has head coach’s experience. I am blessed to have him by my side. I think if it were not for him, we would not have gone this far,” said Fadlu, known for his self-effacing demeanour and modesty.
“He is actually more experienced in coaching than me, being the reserve head coach of Ajax. While I was still playing he was already coaching. He bonds well with younger players because he is used to that age group.”
Maahier steered the junior Urban Warriors to the Engen U-17 Knockout Challenge two years in a row (2012 and 2013), the Metropolitan U-19 Premier Cup twice in (2013 and 2014) and the Copa Amsterdam 2013.
He had a dream team at the Urban Warriors — the likes of Rivaldo Coetzee (Mamelodi Sundowns), Riyaad Norodien (Platinum Stars on loan from Orlando Pirates) and Abbubaker Mobara (Pirates), who all came through the ranks at Ajax.
Though he is ambitious to be a head coach in the top-flight at some point, Maahier insists he is focused on helping Fadlu achieve great things at Maritzburg United.
“I also have ambitions to coach in the PSL in future but for now I am focused on assisting Fadlu to do well. It is enjoyable to work with him because we share the same goal, which is to take the team forward,’’ Maahier noted.
“The nice thing about working with your brother is that you have that bond and understanding but we put the team first.”
The Davids have guided Maritzburg to their maiden cup final, where they will meet Free State Stars at Cape Town Stadium on May 19.
The KwaZulu-Natal-based outfit is also on course to finish in the top four in the league.
They wrap up their campaign against Golden Arrows at Harry Gwala Stadium on Saturday (3pm).