Bottom of the log Maritzburg United will host Richards Bay FC at the Harry Gwala Stadium on Friday evening, as the Team of Choice continue their battle in the DStv Premiership relegation zone.
Kick-off is at 7:30pm (SA, GMT+2)
Currently at the bottom of the pile, Maritzburg United have accumulated just 24 points from 25 games in the 2022/23 league campaign.
Heading into the Richards Bay clash, the Team of Choice are three points from safety with five games left to play. Also, Martizburg head into their next fixture on the back of a frustrating 1-0 defeat against Sekhukhune United at the Peter Mokaba Stadium last week.
Maritzburg United’s form sheet does make for good reading either, winning just one out of their last eight league matches.
Speaking after the loss against Babina Noko, coach Fadlu Davids remained confident that his side will remain in the division at the end of the season.
“Besides that, we will be back, we will fight back, and we will be pushing in our next game,” Davids said.
“We will fight against all odds against external factors, and we will push our heads up and fight.
“No, we will survive. We will survive, we will fight, we will be back against all odds, we will fight.”
Richards Bay on the other hand are winless in their last nine DStv Premiership encounters, a stark contrast to how the Natal Rich Boys started the campaign.
While Maritzburg are fighting to stay in South Africa’s top flight, Richards Bay are in ninth position, one point behind Royal AM, as the battle for a top eight finish continues.
Much like that of the Team of Choice, Richards Bay go into their next tie on the back of a 1-0 loss to Golden Arrows. As the away outfit, Richards Bay recorded five wins, three stalemates and four defeats on the road this season.
Speaking after their recent loss to Arrows, Richards Bay coach Vasili Manousakis mentioned that his side’s inability to score goals on a regular basis has been their biggest problem this season.
“We’re trying to get a little bit more organised defensively but it’s the other side, let’s be honest,” Manousakis said.
“The goals are not going in, 17 goals in 25 games is not a good record. So it’s not a surprise.
“We just need a couple of more points, maybe three, four more points just to be safe cause that’s the reality now.
“There were questions, I remember it’s funny enough, couple of months ago, questions about qualifying for CAF [Champions League], then it’s top eight, then now it’s ‘let’s save ourselves’.”
PLAYERS TO WATCH:
Maritzburg United:
Amadou Soukouna: The attacker has been a key man for the Team of Choice this season and is currently the club’s top scorer in the 2022/23 campaign. With six goals to his league tally for the season, the 30-year-old will be counted on as the point of reference in attack.
Bradon Theron: Able to get up and down the pitch, Theron will be a vital component for his team in both areas of the pitch. The marauding full-back is a tricky customer to deal with throughout the 90 minutes and often uses his energy to trouble the opposition outfit.
Richards Bay FC:
Ntsikelelo Nyauza: With the club struggling to find form, Nyauza’s calming presence will be vital during the closing stages of the season. As one of the club’s most experienced campaigners, the versatile defender will be tasked to guide his team while under pressure.
Sanele Barns: The attacker has been one of the Natal Rich Boys best players this season and is seen as the creative outlet for his side. In facing a wounded Maritzburg outfit, Barns could look to add to his three goals scored in the league so far.