Claasen expects a difficult KZN derby
AFTER having started 2021 on a good note with wins against Bloemfontein Celtic and Kaizer Chiefs, followed by a draw against AmaZulu, Maritzburg United’s positive start to the year was ended with consecutive defeats against TS Galaxy and most recently Orlando Pirates.
Ernst Middendorp’s side next face a challenging KwaZulu-Natal derby assignment against Lamontville Golden Arrows at the Sugar Ray Xulu Stadium in Clermont tomorrow.
Arrows made a strong start to the season but will head into the clash on the back of a 4-2 defeat by Cape Town City.
Maritzburg midfielder Daylon Claasen expects a “difficult game” but does believe that his side can get a positive result. “In the game of soccer, one can do nothing but work hard and give your best in training. We do play to win but are unfortunate that the two recent results were not in our favour. We are hoping that the match against Arrows goes in our favour. We are trying to rectify our mistakes in training and hope to take it into the game against Arrows,” said the 31-year-old.
Arrows have had the better luck of the two teams in their recent games as they have won three out of their last five games against Maritzburg with the Team of Choice winning just once in that time.
“I expect it to be a difficult game especially as it involves two teams from KZN.
“Those games are never easy. I expect a competitive match and one can only give their best. It is going to be a good match. The coach has got his tactics and I’m sure
he has his game plan. In the game, we will have to adjust accordingly. We are just focusing on ourselves and not Arrows going into the match,” said the former Bafana Bafana player.
Maritzburg enter the game in 14th place, ahead of only perennial strugglers Black Leopards and DStv Premiership newcomers Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila (TTM) on goal difference with all three sides on nine points.