Maritzburg out to build momentum

by Graeme Jackson

Friday Dec 08, 2017. 09:23

Maritzburg United will look to build momentum in the Absa Premiership when they host Baroka FC at Harry Gwala Stadium on 8 December 2017, kick-off at 20h00.

Maritzburg broke an eight-game winless streak - and a seven-game scoring drought - in spectacular style as they thrashed Cape Town City 4-2 in KwaMashu on December 5. It was their first three-pointer in the league since beating Ajax 2-0 at home in August.

That triumph over the Cape side is the Team of Choice’s only home win thus far in 2017/18, having claimed just two points from the other four matches in which they played hosts.

Baroka, meanwhile, have gone six league matches without a win after they were soundly beaten 4-0 at Mamelodi Sundowns on December 5. The Limpopo side has not kept a clean sheet since their 2-0 win over Bloemfontein Celtic in September.

Bakgaga, despite their heavy loss at ‘Downs, have performed well away from home this season, with their other six matches on the road bringing them a healthy haul of 12 points. Their last away win was at Kaizer Chiefs in late September.

In head-to-head stats, Maritzburg and Baroka have met in just two previous league matches. Both of those encounters took place last season, with the Team of Choice recording a league ‘double’ by winning 1-0 in Limpopo and 3-1 in KwaZulu-Natal.

Maritzburg’s line-up from their 4-2 win over City on December 5: Ofori, Sanoka, Xulu, Fransman, Shandu, Maboe, Weidlich (Ndlovu 46'), Makaringe, Atouba (Rusike 46'), Mokate (Onyango 76'), Mekoa.

Baroka’s line-up from their 4-0 loss to Sundowns on December 5: Vries, Shaku, Masenamela, Chawapihwa (Ntshangase 68'), Banda, Mosele (Kgaswane 54'), Kgoetyane, Macha (Matloga 36'), Madubanya, Mdantsane, Ngalande.