United’s test of character

THE mental strength of Maritzburg United, more than their ability, will be tested when they attempt to bounce back from consecutive losses in tonight’s battle against Polokwane City at Harry Gwala Stadium.

In losses to SuperSport United, and Kaizer Chiefs at the weekend, the Team of Choice failed to score. In fact they haven’t scored in their last three games, starting with a goalless result against Mamelodi Sundowns. Their solitary goal came in the opening match of the campaign when Kurt Lentjies slotted the winner at Bloemfontein Celtic.

The results might evoke memories of last season’s brush with relegation, when Maritzburg avoided the drop on the final day. It was, however, a different pattern last term, where they seldom failed to hit the target, but were often outscored.

This is a vastly different Maritzburg unit. Coach Ernst Middendorp has introduced greater structure to their attacking play and a positive energy runs through the side, so much so that they could count themselves unlucky not to beat Sundowns, and perhaps prejudiced in the defeat at Chiefs. For large chunks of the clash against Amakhosi, the Midlands outfit dominated possession, and the fact that Itumeleng Khune was the Man of the Match points to his heroics.

How to keep his charges motivated against a run of unfortunate results, and to fine-tune their finishing, will be critical for the German tactician.

That’s where the experienced personnel, such as captain Lentjies, former international defenders Bevan Fransman and Bryce Moon and new German defender Denis Weidlich, will need to remind their younger teammates there was no fault in their performances.

This won’t be a roll-over Polokwane team. Instead it’s a steadily improving side under Belgian newcomer Luc Eymael.

After a 2-0 defeat against Cape Town City, Polokwane drew their next two games before their first win when they edged Highlands Park 3-2 at the weekend.

Goalkeeper George Chigova has been a stand-out performer, and City boast potent attacking weapons in Puleng Tlolane and Rodney Ramagalela. However, they are a team under a coach who is still getting to grips with their strengths and weaknesses.

That gives Maritzburg a chance of picking up a first home win to get back into the top half of the standings.