David v Goliath in Maritzburg

AIM: UNITED MUST BEAT BUCS TO KEEP HOPES ALIVE

onight’s clash between Orlando Pirates and Maritzburg United see both teams on different missions at Harry Gwala stadium, with Bucs gunning for the Absa Premiership title while Maritzburg are looking to secure their top-flight status as we draw closer to the end of the season.

Pirates find themselves at the summit of the league standings, having collected 50 points from 27 games.

The Buccaneers are on a threematch winning streak going into this match after securing victories against Bidvest Wits, Black Leopards and Free State Stars.

Coach Micho Sredojevic’s charges have enjoyed a good run in the league, with their last defeat dating back to February 20 when they lost 1-0 to SuperSport United away.

The Bucs mentor, however, knows that facing the Team of Choice away from home is difficult, especially with Eric Tinkler’s charges desperate to keep their Premiership status.

They have only managed to register 20 points in 26 matches and find themselves at the bottom of the standings, facing automatic relegation.

“We are going to Harry Gwala to play against Maritzburg who are looking at the last straw in order to survive.

“This is pressure on them and for us, but we shall play our usual game. We shall defend by possessing the ball and we shall look forward to being dangerous towards the opponents’ goal,” said Sredojevic.

Meanwhile, Tinkler has vowed to continue fighting to help his side survive the chop with four games remaining for the KwaZulu-Natal outfit.

Maritzburg are five points away from safety going into this clash and a loss will be a serious setback in their fight for survival.

In their last three games, Tinkler’s charges have only managed to register one win, losing the other two and they will know that a victory against Pirates will greatly enhance their chances of surviving the relegation chop.