‘TEAM OF CHOICE’ HUNGRY FOR SUPERSPORT VICTORY
MARITZBURG United’s latest opportunity to record a first victory over SuperSport United comes just 10 days after their last attempt.
The two sides meet in an Absa Premiership catch-up match at Lucas Moripe Stadium in Pretoria tonight and the “Team of Choice” promise to show the same determination they had for the Nedbank Cup quarterfinals at Harry Gwala Stadium on April 13.
In the build-up to that game, speedy striker Cuthbert Malajila and company said they had grown tired of losing to SuperSport and were hungry for a win over Gavin Hunt’s visitors, but a red card to defender Rheece Evans helped SuperSport extend their unbeaten run against the KwaZuluNatalians to 15 matches.
Malajila, whose early strike there was cancelled out by rare goals from SuperSport midfielders George Maluleke and Mogogi Gabonamong, has another reason to be on target in the country’s capital this evening, as he still has a chance of bagging the top scorer award this season.
He is two goals off the pace in that competition with a handful of matches remaining, while Kermit Erasmus is the top SuperSport goal-getter with half as many strikes to his name.
“Yes, we are determined to get a win over SuperSport, because it is also a ‘six-pointer’ in terms of trying to finish in the top section of the standings,” said Maritzburg assistant coach Fadlu Davids, whose side have had three consecutive draws in the league.
“This is actually our fourth meeting with SuperSport this season, having had a draw with them in the league at home and then losses to them in both knockout competitions.”
Maritzburg may have fresher legs and more determination today, but getting through the steel of SuperSport is their big challenge – and they will again be without the services of leading defender Mohammad Awal and midfielder-cum-forward Heinrich Isaacks, through injuries.
“We were disappointed at having to settle for that 2-2 draw at the death against Golden Arrows at home last Wednesday,” added Davids. “Hopefully, we will be more concentrated at the beginning and ending of each half.”
There are no other matches in midweek, surprisingly, but the weekend will bring a full round of games.
This includes Maritzburg at home to Swallows on Friday, AmaZulu away against Free State Stars on Saturday, and Arrows at home to SuperSport on Sunday.