A huge game for Maritzburg United as they try to rescue their season with five games left. A home clash against a struggling Richards Bay side will be seen as winnable, but the Team of Choice have been known to bottle games at home.
To Win Match
Maritzburg United 31/10 | Draw 2/1 | Richards Bay FC 37/20
Maritzburg United
Maritzburg United find themselves in the worst place a team wants to be towards the end of a season. Being rock-bottom is a position nobody envies, and Maritzburg have been there for a while.
One win from their last eight games is disappointing from a team playing in the county’s top-flight, and maybe why relegation is their likely destiny this season. Fadlu Davids’ side are two points behind 15th-placed Chippa United, who have played a game more and four points behind Swallows and Gallants, with the latter having played two more matches already.
They will close off the season against 2022/23 league winners Mamelodi Sundowns away, who they have not defeated in Pretoria since the 2012/13 season under coach Ernst Middendorp.
Their biggest problem this season has been finding the back of the net, but luckily for them, Richards Bay are the only club with less goals scored in the division. So, this encounter could end up having a say in the bigger relegation picture.
Richards Bay FC
Richards Bay went from challenging for a CAF spot to fighting to stay in the top8 for next season’s MTN8. They will surely see this game as a must-win, especially with a trip to Mamelodi Sundowns looming after.
Richards Bay’s season started off pretty well, and the technical changes implemented by the management did not help them maintain their pretty start.
They too have had their campaign plagued by news off the pitch – notably the sad passing of their captain and midfielder Siphamandla Mtolo who collapsed during a training session.
A string of poor results also led to them dismantling the co-coaching set-up of Pitso Dladla and Vasili Manousakis, with the latter being promoted to sole head coach. The Team of Choice will also look to capitalise on this as the NRB Boyz seem uncertain and fragile.
Without a win in their last five, Richards Bay have been easy to figure out with teams beating them by scoring the early first half goals. I think their position on the log will count for very little when these two teams meet, especially as a draw will not be enough for both.
Verdict: Maritzburg United or DRAW on the Double chance – 7/20
Maritzburg United will need to be at their absolute best here. They’re playing one of their last games of the season in front of their supporters, and will feel the responsibility to take the game to the visitors.
If Richards Bay are allowed to grow confidence in the match, then United will have a tough time containing them. Also, there aren’t many goals expected here, but if one team can get it, it would be United at home.
