THE BACKPAGE phakaaathi.co.za Davids under radar
MARITZBURG COACH: HE WON’T TAKE ALL THE CREDIT FOR THEIR FINE START
Unbeaten Team of Choice now come up against reborn Chiefs.
No one would blame Maritzburg United coach Fadlu Davids if he boasted about his young team, who have been in scintillating form. But the 36-year-old has opted to set an example for his young players by remaining humble and diverting every ounce of praise to the team, saying it is a collective effort.
The Team of Choice are unbeaten in four Absa Premiership matches but were knocked out in the semifinals of the MTN8. Davids’ team are playing so well that there is little worry from their fans that they are playing Soweto giants in back-to-back matches.
United were unlucky not to win on Friday as they drew 0-0 with Orlando Pirates, and will be hoping for a better result against Kaizer Chiefs tomorrow night.
“I think Chiefs are back to their best,” Davids told Phakaaathi yesterday. “Although they conceded a late goal against Wits at the weekend, they are becoming more dangerous with each game.
“They did well against Cape Town City and Wits. They are an organised and well-structured team and it won’t be easy to break them down. Steve has been playing good football and now that they can score, they are dangerous. We have to prepare for a fully functional Chiefs side.”
He credits his team’s good start to the season to a good pre-season camp, where they managed to work on a variety of issues he was concerned about.
“We had a good pre-season where we managed to work on our style and systems. They are young energetic boys but we have to ensure their feet are firmly on the ground.”
Davids said the biggest challenge he faces every week is ensuring his team are not blinded by their good run and that they remain grounded and focused.
Amakhosi’s Steve Komphela admitted on Saturday that Maritzburg are a tough team and they will have to bring their ‘A’ game to Harry Gwala Stadium.
United will be without Siphesihle Ndlovu against Chiefs – the midfielder is suspended after picking up his fourth booking against Pirates on Friday.