Improving Maritzburg a threat

Maritzburg United can do the unthinkable tonight and go top of the table for at least half-a-day.

And, if recent form is anything to go by, going top of the table is certainly not just a silly dream for the much-improved Team of Choice, who against all odds find themselves third after seven rounds of matches.

It’s possible and Ian Palmer’s boys are probably itching to walk out on to the pitch and have a serious go at SuperSport United, the club that currently tops the standings, at Lucas Moripe Stadium.

On any other given day, a SuperSport and Maritzburg clash would be considered a no-contest, seeing that Gavin Hunt’s club have never lost to the KwaZulu-Natal based club when playing at home.

But a lot has changed lately and SuperSport should be wary of a club that seems to have turned the corner and is now battling it out at the top with the “big boys” of local football.

Maritzburg, like SuperSport, are yet to lose this season, and have proven, since Palmer arrived in January to replace Ernst Middendorp, that they are no longer a club that can be taken lightly – home and away – making their clash tonight one to look forward to.

Shuaib Walters, the Maritzburg captain, says the club will do whatever it takes to ensure they remain unbeaten and go top of the table.

“We are both unbeaten and I can tell you that both clubs are going to go all out to make sure that their unbeaten records are not broken. We (Maritzburg) have to keep the run going as that would give us even more confidence going into our future matches.

“It will be a tight game. We win and we go top for at least a day. That would be great. We have been working hard throughout the week.”

Maritzburg, though, are yet to win away from home, having drawn all their matches away. But Walters, who has only conceded three goals on the road, has a feeling they will get their first victory this season in someone else’s backyard tonight.

“I don’t think playing away from home will be a problem. We have shown that we can compete away from home and playing at SuperSport is not like playing at Kaizer Chiefs, Mamelodi Sundowns or Orlando Pirates where there are thousands of supporters that can sometimes intimidate you.

“SuperSport don’t have much of a following and we can do well there. We’ll also have a few of our supporters with us. We have a winning mentality and that’s what you need in tough matches,” the goalkeeper says.

His coach, Palmer who was awarded the Premiership Coach of the Month yesterday, enjoyed a good chat and laugh with Hunt last week at the Telkom Knockout draw.

But there certainly won’t be any of that tonight as the two coaches look to hold onto their unbeaten records.

Maritzburg’s results at the Lucas Moripe Stadium against SuperSport

2010/2011

SuperSport 1 Maritzburg 0

2009/2010

SuperSport 3 Maritzburg 2

2008/2009

SuperSport 5 Maritzburg 0

2006/2007

SuperSport 3 Maritzburg 0

2005/2006

SuperSport 1 Maritzburg 1

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