Maritzburg look to continue strong form

by Graeme Jackson

Friday Jan 26, 2018. 10:14

Maritzburg United will look to continue their strong form in the Absa Premiership when they host Chippa United at Harry Gwala Stadium on 26 January 2018, kick-off at 20h00.

Maritzburg claimed a third win from their last four league matches when they defeated Free State Stars 3-0 in Bethlehem on January 20. The result came via second-half goals from Andrea Fileccia, Evans Rusike and Bandile Shandu.

The Team of Choice has claimed 11 points from eight home matches this season. Their last game as hosts saw them suffer a 1-0 defeat at the hands of SuperSport United last midweek, January 17.

Chippa played out a second successive draw when they were held 0-0 at home by Golden Arrows on January 21. The Eastern Cape side has won just one of their last five matches and will be looking for a return to top form to consolidate their place in the top half of the log.

The Chilli Boys have claimed just 10 points from eight away matches this season, though their last game on the road brought a fine 2-0 win at AmaZulu in their first match of the New Year.

In head-to-head stats, Maritzburg and Chippa have met in nine league matches since 2012/13. The Team of Choice has claimed four wins compared to one for the Chilli Boys, while four matches have been drawn. The KwaZulu-Natal side has won two of their four home league matches in the rivalry, suffering one defeat in the process.

When the teams met earlier this season, they played out a goalless draw in the Eastern Cape. Three of the teams’ last four league meetings have ended in draws.

Maritzburg’s line-up from their 3-0 win over Stars on January 20: Ofori, Fransman (de Reuck 7’), Xulu, Onyango, Sanoka, Makaringe, Mekoa, Ndlovu, Maboe, Fileccia (Shandu 67’), Rusike (Matima 86’).

Chippa’s line-up from their 0-0 draw with Arrows on January 21: Akpeyi, Modisane, Mako, Macheke, Okwuosa, Mabaso, Mntambo, Lentjies, Macuphu, Rakhale (Sali 68'), Mashego (Mbokoma 23').