Maritzburg United and Kaizer Chiefs will lock horns in an exciting Round of 32 clash at the Harry Gwala Stadium on Friday night.
The match kicks off at 7:30pm.
The Team of Choice start on the back of their 1-1 draw against AmaZulu that left them second from bottom in the DStv Premiership.
Maritzburg’s form has improved after they picked up three wins, while recording one defeat and a single draw in their most recent outings
They must arrest poor form at home;. they have earned just 3 wins on home soil. Their best showing in the cup was coming second in 2018. But generally, they’ve been knocked out at this stage over the past five seasons.
Coach Fadlu Davids spoke of his excitement in playing at the popular Harry Gwala Stadium on Friday night, while mentioning that the Glamour Boys could place emphasis in doing well in the Nedbank Cup.
“We had a good record when playing on Friday nights the last time I was here,” he said.
“We created a sort of invincibility when playing on Friday nights in Harry Gwala but obviously we’ve lost that record in recent years and we have to earn that fortress tag once again.
“They’re a very good team, I don’t think we should take away what coach Arthur (Zwane) has done. Friday nights at home are normally an occasion on their own but having Chiefs coming just raises the stakes even more.
“We expect both teams to go at each other because we want to win the game and that’s always our approach to games and Chiefs will probably focus on this tournament more than any other.”
Chiefs picked up just one victory, while succumbing to three defeats and one draw in their most recent outings.
Coach Arthur Zwane has come under much scrutiny by supporters on social media this season, as the Soweto giants struggle to string wins together.
However, the Glamour Boys can take solace in their impressive record against Maritzburg in recent seasons. Over the course of the last 10 games, in all competitions, Chiefs picked up five wins, three losses and two stalemates.
Reflecting on the game, Zwane spoke highly of Davids as being a ‘good tactician’ and expects a tough encounter in Pietermaritzburg.
“The game have been coming thick and fast,” Zwane said.
“Obviously, this one is a cup game and it is not going to be an easy one. The approach will be totally different as will the mindset of the players.
“Maritzburg have been doing very well under the circumstances.
“They are a good team. They played very well in their last game and were unfortunate to concede a late goal that cost them maximum points, though AmaZulu also played well.
“On Friday it is going to be a different ball game altogether because of the different approach, and their coach is a good tactician.