Phakaaathi.co.za United ‘up for the fight’
XULU: THIS SEASON WE WILL BE LOOKING AT IMPROVING FROM LAST TERM
Maritzburg facing a stiff examination against Benni’s City.
Maritzburg United defender Siyanda Xulu says last season was a learning curve, but they don’t want to get ahead of themselves after reaching their first final in top-flight football.
The Team of Choice made history after getting to the final of the Nedbank Cup, which they lost to Free State Stars. Xulu and his team-mates also did well in the domestic league, finishing in fourth position at the end of the season.
The KwaZulu-Natal side kick off their first domestic cup game against Cape Town City in the quarterfinals of the MTN8 at the Harry Gwala Stadium on Saturday.
“This season we will be looking at improving from last term, we finished in fourth position last season and qualified for the Top 8. I don’t think we have to dream big, but we are learning with each and every game we play,” said the defender.
“This is our first cup game this season and we are playing against a quality team coached by a good coach in Benni McCarthy. They are not an easy side to play against, but we are playing at home so we have to use that to our advantage. Last season was good for us, we just need to continue working hard and doing our best whenever we get on the field.”
City winger Surprise Ralani meanwhile, is itching for his first silverware in South African football after joining the Cape side last year from Europe.
“We are looking forward to the Cup game, everyone in the team is excited about it. We all want to do well and see the team lifting the trophy.
“And for me personally, I just want to get my first trophy in the PSL, it will be great to be able to achieve that,” said Ralani.
“We will be playing against a side that did well last season, Maritzburg are a great team, but we just need to focus on ourselves on the day and fight hard to win the match.”