Orlando Pirates will look to maintain their place at the top of the DStv Premiership standings when they meet Maritzburg United at the Harry Gwala Stadium on Sunday evening.
Pirates will arrive high in confidence after booking their place in the MTN8 semi-finals following their 2-1 win over Royal AM at the Chatsworth Stadium this past weekend.
Coming into this encounter, the Team of Choice occupies 11th position on the table with six points after six games.
“The preparations are going very well,” Maritzburg United goalkeeper King Ndlovu said.
“Everyone is fit and sharp. So, we’re looking forward to Sunday’s game against Pirates.
“We want to remain unbeaten at home.”
Meanwhile, Pirates head coach Jose Riveiro said: “We don’t see anybody else than the next opponent.
“So we don’t think about Mamelodi or who knows who’s going to be there on top, and we need to challenge, we don’t know. So far, we’re on top of the table.
“We’re extremely happy because we have to enjoy every good moment during the season.”
When Pirates and Maritzburg faced off last season in the DStv Premiership, the Buccaneers walked away with four points from a possible six after they played out to a goalless draw in the first leg before claiming a comfortable 4-1 victory in the return leg.
John Maduka will have a fully fit squad for the game with no injuries or suspension, while Jose Riveiro is expected to be without four players through injury, including Deon Hotto, Thembinkosi Lorch, Terrence Dzvukamanja and Evidence Makgopa but will be boosted by the return of Kabelo Dlamini and Tapelo Xoki, respectively.
King Ndlovu will be looking to claim his third clean sheet in the league with both clean sheets coming in back-to-back goalless draws against Swallows FC and Cape Town City.
Miguel Timm has been one of Pirates’ standout performers this season and although he is yet to find the back of the net or register an assist, he has been crucial in the heart of the Buccaneers midfielder.
Maritzburg United DStv Premiershi Form:
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Orlando Pirates DStv Premiership Form:
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