Weekend Argus (Saturday Edition)
Stellies aim to break Maritzburg’s stranglehold
STELLENBOSCH FC will be up against history when they host giant-killers Maritzburg United in a DStv Premiership match at the Danie Craven Stadium today (start 5pm).
Maritzburg will arrive in the Mother City on a high after their shock 1-0 win over KZN rivals Royal AM (No 2 on the log) in a midweek clash. In six previous clashes with Stellies, Maritzburg have two wins and four draws.
Stellenbosch are undefeated in their last two outings. In midweek they held hosts SuperSport United goalless.
Stellenbosch coach Steve Barker felt they were unlucky against SuperSport.
“I am disappointed that we only walked away with a point. I thought we were the better side throughout the game. We created enough opportunities to win the game,” said Barker.
Maritzburg have moved clear of the relegation zone and coach Ernst Middendorp wants the team to maintain the form they displayed against Royal AM.
“If we are prepared to suffer together and support each other and also show the team effort we showed against Royal AM then can we collect the points,” the German said.
Argentinian playmaker Júnior Mendieta will lead the Stellenbosch attack with striker Ashley du Preez, the side’s leading scorer with seven strikes.
For Maritzburg, Zambian international Friday Samu is emerging as one of the best strikers in the Premiership. He has scored in his last four outings.
Later on in the Mother City, Cape Town City, will host lowly TS Galaxy at the Cape Town Stadium (7.30pm).
After Royal AM’s midweek defeat, City’s chances of securing a season-ending Premiership runners-up slot are bright and the team will want to keep that hope alive. City are unbeaten in the last 10 league games.
Galaxy in their last outing defeated Orlando Pirates against all odds, considering they are hovering near the relegation zone.
Elsewhere, Chippa United will host relegation-haunted Baroka FC at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium (3pm). Chippa have proved a steady outfit under interim coach Kurt Lentjies and are on a three-match undefeated streak.
At the Peter Mokaba Stadium, the visiting Golden Arrows will look to return to winning ways after they were shocked by bottom side Baroka in midweek. They face Marumo Gallants, the Nedbank Cup finalists (3pm).
At the Moses Mabhida Stadium, seventh-placed AmaZulu host 10-placed Sekhukhune United who are on a five-match winless streak (5pm).