Fileccia back to bolster United for Chiefs visit

Coach Davids has to rethink strategy

A calf injury suffered on the eve of Maritzburg United’s opening match of the new season has kept Belgian striker Andrea Fileccia sidelined and contributed to the club’s poor return of just one goal in their first three games of the 2018/19 campaign.

Fileccia is set to return from injury in time to face Kaizer Chiefs at home on Friday night and coach Fadlu Davids is understandably relieved.

“He’ll definitely be available for Friday‚” said Davids‚ looking forward to the striker’s return‚ after three successive defeats for the side.

“He was 90% ready for Sunday’s game against Cape Town City but it was very risky to use him for a game like that. We need him.”

But midfielder Fortune Makaringe‚ another key player‚ sits out for a second game as he serves a suspension after a red card against Free State Stars last Wednesday.

“He gives us a lot in terms of being a first receiver and in terms of his organisation‚” Davids said. “But Siphelele Ndlovu and Bandile Shandu did a fantastic job against City in that double-six position‚ really showing their stuff in terms of the defensive duties.”

Maritzburg have found it tough to get going in this new campaign‚ in part because teams are not giving them much space to play and Davids has to rethink his strategy for the visit of Amakhosi.

“Teams are sitting back and giving us respect‚ we have to acknowledge that and realise it‚ after last season’s performances‚” he said.

“We have to find solutions.”