No sooner had Bidvest Wits ejected Orlando Pirates from the competitive Nedbank Cup the past weekend than Maritzburg United conjured up a masterplan to steal maximum points away from them in their visit to Johannesburg.
Wits were still majestically absorbed in their elimination of the Premier Soccer League (PSL) heavyweight against all odds. That they were playing in their own backyard made the case even more poignant.
As far as the cup game went, the Clever Boys finished with 10 men (for the most part of the extra-time), and no less than six yellow cards in the entire round-of-32 match. Yet they sprung back into the last 16 of the protracted Nedbank Cup through sudden-death penalty shootouts.
Going down to Maritzburg on Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2020 was not expected. After a staggering start to the 2019/20 Absa Premiership season, the Team of Choice have found their footing if the recent rhythm is any evidence. Currently, they are comfortably placed 6th on the log and look pretty sharp on their forward surges.
The Clever Boys were stung by Thabiso Kutumela’s 44th minute drilling strike. The only Wednesday night league match was won by Maritzburg United 1-0.
Kaizer Chiefs must be wary when they host Maritzburg United at FNB Stadium on Saturday, Feb. 15, 2020 on their next league draw.
After the unanticipated win over Wits in Johannesburg, they [Maritzburg] could not have evoked a better inspiration. Chiefs are incredibly atop the Absa Premiership league table and are unlikely to drop points at this stage.
This Saturday’s evening clash is important for both clubs. An exhilarating face-off lies in prospect. Amakhosi want to retain their peak form and position, while the visitors want to keep their momentum on the uptick and stay in the top eight (8). The league match against Chiefs will be Maritzburg’s 22nd this season.
Perched on a commanding 9-point gap [45] at the league pinnacle, Chiefs may stretch the lead on their 20th game to double-digit points by the end of Saturday. Behind them are Pirates on 36 (points) after 20 games and are followed by the 3rd-placed defending champions Mamelodi Sundowns on 35 (points) after 18 matches.
Friday Feb. 14 Absa Premiership League Fixture:
Stellenbosch vs SuperSport United at Cape Town Stadium – 20h00
Saturday Feb. 15 Absa Premiership
Baroka FC vs Bidvest Wits at Peter Mokaba Stadium – 15h30
Mamelodi Sundowns vs Chippa United at Loftus Versfeld Stadium – 15h30
Highlands Park vs Bloemfontein Celtic at Makhulong Stadium – 15h30
Kaizer Chiefs vs Maritzburg United at FNB Stadium – 18h00
AmaZulu FC vs Golden Arrows at Kings Park Stadium – 20h15
Sunday Feb. 16 Absa Premiership:
Black Leopards vs Orlando Pirates at Thohoyandou Stadium – 15h30
Polokwane City vs Cape Town City FC at Old Peter Mokaba Stadium 15h30