Maritzburg chase first win since the restart

Maritzburg United players praying during the Absa Premiership 2019/20 match between Maritzburg United and Mamelodi Sundowns

by Graeme Jackson

Sunday Aug 23, 2020. 20:41

Maritzburg United will chase a first Absa Premiership win since the restart when they host Bidvest Wits at Tuks Stadium on Monday 24 August 2020, kick-off at 15h30.

Maritzburg come into the match on the back of a 2-2 draw at home to Mamelodi Sundowns on August 21, with goals from Rushine De Reuck and Thabiso Kutumela. The Team of Choice has claimed 23 points from 13 home matches thus far in the season.

Wits claimed their first win since the restart, defeating AmaZulu 2-1 at home on August 21 thanks to goals from Rowan Human and Deon Hotto. The Clever Boys have taken 22 points from 12 away matches in the 2019/20 campaign.

In head-to-head stats, Maritzburg and Wits have met in 25 league matches since 2006/07. The Clever Boys have claimed 12 wins compared to four for the Team of Choice, while nine matches have been drawn. The KwaZulu-Natal club has won just once in 12 home matches in the rivalry, suffering four defeats in the process.

When the teams met earlier this season, at Bidvest Stadium in February 2020, Maritzburg claimed a 1-0 away win thanks to a goal from Thabiso Kutumela. The result snapped a run of five straight home wins for Wits over United.

Maritzburg’s line-up from their 2-2 draw with Sundowns on August 21: Ofori, Sanoka (Mngonyama 79′), Morgan (Hlongwane 80′), Kutumela (Augusto 90′), De Reuck, Ntshangase, Buchanan (Shandu 54′), Claasen, Allie, Tlolane, Moseamedi (Bongo 90′).

Wits’ line-up from their 2-1 win over AmaZulu on August 21: Goss, Hlatshwayo, Monare, Hlanti, Nange (Doute 82′), Alexander, Eva Nga (Dzvukamanja 46′), Macheke, Gordinho, Human (Mathebula 90’+2), Sekgota (Hotto 69′).