Durban – The Soweto Derby will have an ideal ‘curtain-raiser’ in the form of the KwaZulu-Natal Derby as Maritzburg United and Golden Arrows start an explosive Absa Premiership match at the Harry Gwala Stadium tomorrow.
Maritzburg and Arrows were dumped out of the Telkom Knockout in the first round, by Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates, respectively, and will be keen to bounce back in the league. The clash promises more fireworks than Saturday’s Soweto showdown, if the teams’ last meeting earlier this year is anything to go by.
After they drew their last match 1-1 in KwaMashu last season, Maritzburg coach Ernst Middendorp and Arrows assistant coach Mandla Ncikazi had a scuffle which also led to verbal spats between the management of both clubs. However, the Team of Choice's chairman, Farook Kadodia, urged the rivals to restrict their battles to the pitch.
“It is a needle clash because the guys will remember the volatile game in KwaMashu, and also because Arrows are on top of the log,” said Kadodia.
“We can’t carry emotions into the game. The coaches must put their emotions aside and play the game on the field. Arrows must be given respect; they sit second for a reason, because they are taking their chances. We have to rise up,” added Kadodia.
There’s no love between Middendorp and his former club Arrows. Ncikazi has probably overcome the bitterness of his axing by the Team of Choice last season, although the personal rivalry with the German could yet be simmering.
Away from the technical teams’ tensions, Maritzburg’s low ranking is enough to ensure they come out firing. Points are needed desperately if they are to avoid a relegation battle like last season. To that end they have a fresh attacker in Luyanda Ntshangase, who made a lively debut in the penalty shoot-out loss to Amakhosi. Midfielder Lebohang Maboe and winger Devon Saal are others pushing for regular first team places.
With Zimbabwean striker Evans Rusike battling a knee injury and struggling with form - he has yet to score this season - chances are Ntshangase will stay in the line-up.
Arrows will have changes as well. The midfield could have a tougher look with former Bafana Bafana anchor Kagisho Dikgacoi set to make his second debut for Abafana Bes’thende. Up front striker Lerato Lamola could make a return from injury after he missed the cup loss at Pirates.
PSL Fixtures
Friday, 8pm
Maritzburg Utd v Golden Arrows, Harry Gwala Stadium; Chippa United v Platinum Stars, Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium
Saturday
Orlando Pirates v Kaizer Chiefs, FNB Stadium, 3.30pm; Ajax Cape Town v SuperSport United, Cape Town Stadium, 8.15pm, Bloem Celtic v Bidvest Wits, Dr Molemela Stadium, 8.15pm
Sunday, all 3.30pm
Mamelodi Sundowns v Cape Town City, Loftus Versfeld; Baroka FC v Polokwane City, New Peter Mokaba Stadium; Highlands Park v Free State Stars, Makhulong Stadium
The Star