A rare record will be under threat in the battle of Uniteds in Pietermaritzburg tonight.
Tshwane side SuperSport United have never lost a match against Maritzburg United. Since 2005/6 SuperSport and Maritzburg have met 12 times with the three times PSL champions winning seven while five of their clashes ended in a draw.
It’s this record that a rejuvenated Maritzburg would be eager to change as they battle Gavin Hunt’s side at the Harry Gwala Stadium tonight.
Maritzburg captain and goalkeeper Shuaib Walters believes the current side that they have has what it takes to end SuperSport’s dominance and walk away with the maximum points tonight.
“There’s no better time to beat SuperSport than now. We have the quality to beat them. We have a good team. SuperSport will be coming with three points in mind because we have never beaten them,” said Walters, whose side has been impressive this season.
This season SuperSport have struggled to establish themselves as a credible title contender. Matsatsantsa A Pitori have managed one win, one loss and eight draws so far hence they are on position 11, which is six places behind fourth placed Maritzburg. Though SuperSport beat Maritzburg 2-0 recently in the Telkom Knockout, Hunt says it will be tougher than the last time they met.
“It’s going to be tough. We beat them but that was in a cup. It’s going to be even tougher. Maritzburg are well organised, they are also physically strong. We will be looking for victory. That’s for sure. We will continue to create chances,” said Hunt.
At the heart of not so impressive performances by SuperSport has been lack of scoring. Hunt is not giving up as yet. He is hoping his men can changes their fortunes in front of goals.
“I am confident that we can come alright. Otherwise I wouldn’t be in this business. There’s no formula for winning.It’s all hard work. That’s what we have to do. We have to create and be tight at the back,” said Hunt.
The former Moroka Swallows coach says the team’s spirit was dampened after their 1 – 0 loss to Mamelodi Sundowns in the Telkom Knockout semifinal at the weekend.
“They are disappointed. I thought we did well. It’s just that we missed chances ,” he said.
Hunt and his side will have to double their efforts and hope their woes don’t continue as Maritzburg want to continue their winning streak. Walters says they want to maintain their impressive run.
“We look to make it three in three. We want to win our third game in a row. We need to play to the best of our ability. It’s been amazing how we have done this season. We are pretty happy with where we are,” said Walters.