Maritzburg, Arrows end season with KZN derby

by Graeme Jackson

Friday May 11, 2018. 08:08

Maritzburg United and Golden Arrows will end their Absa Premiership seasons with a KwaZulu-Natal derby at the Harry Gwala Stadium on 12 May 2018, kick-off at 15h00.

Maritzburg suffered just a second loss in their last nine league matches when they were beaten 2-0 at Kaizer Chiefs on April 28. The result saw United swap places with the Amakhosi and drop to fourth on the log.

The Team of Choice has claimed 23 points from 14 home matches this season, though their last two turns as hosts have brought draws against Cape Town City (1-1) and Mamelodi Sundowns (2-2) in April.

Arrows claimed a second successive win when they defeated relegated Platinum Stars 3-2 at home on April 28. The result saw the Durban side move into seventh and a victory in this clash will guarantee a top-eight finish.

Abafana Bes’thende have claimed just 15 points from 14 away matches this season, with their last result on the road a 1-0 loss at Mamelodi Sundowns in mid-April.

In head-to-head stats, Arrows and Maritzburg have met in 21 league matches since 2005/06. Abafana Bes’thende have claimed 10 wins compared to five for the Team of Choice, while six matches have been drawn. The Pietermaritzburg side has claimed four wins and suffered three defeats from 10 home matches in the rivalry.

When the teams met earlier this season, in Durban in December 2017, they played out a goalless stalemate. It was a third draw in the last four league meetings of the teams, having only had three draws in their first 17 games.

Maritzburg’s line-up from their 2-0 loss to Chiefs on April 28: Mpandle, de Reuk (Mokate 46’), Xulu, Fransman, Sanoka, Makaringe, Shandu, Maboe, Atouba (Eksteen 69’), Mekoa, Fileccia (Matime 85’).

Arrows’ line-up from their 3-2 win over Stars on April 28: Mbeava, Mzava, Mathiane, Mngwenge, Nonyane, Phiri, Venter (Mahachi 60’), Magubane (Buthelezi 65’), Ndwandwe, Shongwe (Bilankulu 79’), Magubane, Mutizwa.