DURBAN - Lamontville Golden Arrows have endured turbulent times against Maritzburg United at Harry Gwala Stadium in Pietermaritzburg over the years in Absa Premiership tussles.
If you are looking for an Arrows league victory at Harry Gwala Stadium you have to go back as far as 2010 when Abafana Bes’thende beat the Team of Choice 3-0. The skipper for the Team of Choice wants to keep their run against Arrows intact when the duo lock horns on Sunday at Harry Gwala at 3pm.
“Yes, we want to keep our good record against Arrows. It is a derby. You always expect to grind in games like this. Anyone who earns three points in this game must have the run for their money. It is the battle for the pride of KZN. Our aim is to be the number one team in KZN,” Siyanda Xulu said.
Last season the sides played to two stalemates. United finished fourth last term, with two cup semi-finals which included the Nedbank Cup final defeat. “The first game is always important. You only get yourself into good position when you collect points. It is the same story for us this season. We want to collect as much points as we can,” Xulu elaborated.
United punched above their weight last season to clinch fourth spot. They won’t allow themselves to get carried away. “It is going to be a tough season. Last season we were the surprise package but they will come prepared now. Teams will make sure that they do their homework when they come up against us this season. It is not going to be easy," Xulu said.
“We will give our best. In order to achieve what we achieved last season we have to be at our best. Our main focus is always the top eight but if we can do as much as we did last season then we can challenge for more. I don’t want us to get ahead of ourselves. We have a young squad here and I don’t think they deserve so much pressure.”
HE’S A KEEPER! pic.twitter.com/aZbBcR85Ns
— Maritzburg United FC (@MaritzburgUtd) August 1, 2018
Xulu has represented Kaizer Chiefs and Mamelodi Sundowns. During his spell with FC Rostov in Russia, Xulu attained the Russian Cup. Recently he captained Bafana in the Cosafa Cup in Limpopo. Despite these accomplishments, the KwaMashu-born defender is yet to lift domestic silverware.
“It is always challenging to win silverware. It is always a dream for me to win silverware. I came so close in so many occasions. I will strive for excellence again this season. It is going to be a cherry on top for me to win my first trophy.”