MARITZBURG FULL OF CONFIDENCE

MARITZBURG United boss Ernst Middendorp was full of praise for his team’s “fighting spirit” following their 3-2 win over KZN rivals Golden Arrows at the Harry Gwala Stadium in Pietermaritzburg on Wednesday evening.

The game will boost the Team of Choice’s confidence amidst their survival battle this season and it left them 12th in the league standings with 28 points after 26 games and three points clear of Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila (TTM), who occupy 15th place.

“It was a very aggressive game. It was what we expected because it was a local derby and these games are always special. In the end, we approached it well, scoring three goals. Each and everybody did their best. At this stage of the campaign, its not about playing good football but about winning games and we did that,” said Middendorp.

Middendorp’s charges are currently in decent form having lost just once in their last five league games and they can further boost their chances of avoiding the drop when they play against struggling TTM at the Peter Mokaba Stadium tomorrow.

TTM could be vulnerable to the counter-attack against Maritzburg as they will have no choice but to attack them given

that they are in the drop-zone.

Meanwhile, Golden Arrows’ aim will now be to focus on securing third spot in the league which will earn them the right to play in the CAF Confederation Cup next season.

The loss against Maritzburg left Mandla Ncikazi’s side third in the standings with 43 points after 27 games and they only lead Orlando Pirates on goal difference albeit with a game in hand.

Ncikazi was disappointed with the performance of his side and was frustrated as he felt the ball boys attempted to influence the game in Maritzburg's favour.

"We were disappointed with the way we conceded. Our defending is normally our strength but today it became our weakness.

“We were more imposing and threatening in the second half. We had a lot of chances and could have possibly drawn if we took better decisions in the final third. I think the ball boys should be trained properly and also not try to influence the game," said Ncikazi.

Maroka Swallows and Supersport United, both of whom have 41 points each will also be fancying their chances of potentially breaking into the top three this season.

Abafana Besthende's loss also means that they have lost their last two league games, an unfamiliar sight for them this season.