With the season now up and running, Maritzburg United have not looked like the same side which set the domestic scene alight last season.
With two defeats in two games, the Team of Choice will be hoping to redeem themselves as the MTN8 comes calling. The tournament will be a welcomed distraction for Maritzburg, but it will by no means be an easy battle as they are set to come up against last season’s losing finalists Cape Town City, at the Harry Gwala Stadium.
Benni McCarthy’s men too will be desperate to finally get their hands on the coveted crown as he looks to not only build on his own pedigree as a coach but will want to continue to create history for the young club.
| Game | Maritzburg United |
| Date | Sunday, August 12 |
| Time | 3:00pm SA Time |
TV Channel, Live Score & How To Watch
In South Africa, the game will be shown live on SuperSport 4 and SABC 1. You can also catch live score updates on Goal.com.
| Live Match Centre | TV Channel |
|---|---|
| Goal.com | SS4 & SABC 1 |
Squads & Team News
| Position | Missing players |
|---|---|
| Defender | Edmilson Dove, Ebrahim Seedat, Kwanda Mngonyama (All City) |
| Midfielder | Fortune Makaringe (Maritzburg), Teko Modise (City) |
Meanwhile, Fadlu Davids may look to change things up following his side’s midweek defeat.
With Maritzburg leaking goals, perhaps Davids will look to bring in former SuperSport United defender Denwin Farmer as well as creative player Keagan Buchanan into the fray.
One enforced change though, will be that of Fortune Makaringe. The winger has been a sensation for Maritzburg, but after picking up a second booking against Free State Stars on Wednesday he will watch on from the stands
MTN/Goal
On the side of City, injuries have certainly not been too kind. Players such as Teko Modise, Kwanda Mngonyama, Edmilson Dove and Ebrahim Seedat among others set out the clash against Baroka in the week, and McCarthy will be hoping to have the quartet back.
The veteran, Modise in particular was sorely missed in the middle of park against Baroka, and he may have an important role to play alongside Roland Putsche if he is deemed fit.
Match Preview
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On paper, Maritzburg may see themselves as slight favourites going into the clash, considering their head-to-head form against City.
This will be the fifth meeting between the two sides, with Maritzburg having won two out of the previous four, while City have just been victorious on one previous occasion.
The most recent meeting ended in a 4-2 victory in favour of Maritzburg.
However, it should be noted that Maritzburg’s current form is a far cry from that of last season as they are six games without a win.
City on the other hand, have won just two out of their last five encounters in all competitions.
Nonetheless, as with all knockout competitions, history and form does not count for much, only hunger and determination on the day will dictate either side’s future in the competition.
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