Michaelson Ntokozo Gumede

By Ntokozo Gumede

Journalist


Maritzburg United a unique team – Pitso

There is no single team in the world that plays football quite like Fadlu Davids' Maritzburg United, Mamelodi Sundowns coach Pitso Mosimane said this week.


Mosimane says the Team of Choice’s distinct style of play is so mind-boggling that he is considering adjusting his team when they meet in Sunday afternoon’s Nedbank cup semifinal at Harry Gwala Stadium.

“Maritzburg are very awkward and it is not funny. The way they play is different, they play in their own way,” said Mosimane.

“I tried to find a team that plays the way Fadlu plays and I have never found one in the world. The way he plays works because if it doesn’t work then they wouldn’t be where they are in the league and they wouldn’t be in the semifinals of the Nedbank Cup.

“It is also important to give them the respect in the way that they attack. If I have to change the format and the shape of how we need to defend against them … I have the humility to adjust for the team to be in the final,” he added.

READ: Xulu eyes Nedbank Cup final with Maritzburg

While Mosimane knows that the Brazilians go into the tie as favourites to reach the final, where either Kaizer Chiefs or Free State Stars will await them, he is not under the illusion that Davids’ men will roll over for his star-studded Masandawana outfit.

“They have nothing to lose. In terms of the profile of the club, we are expected to win but profiles don’t win games and they don’t book you finals,” said the former Bafana Bafana coach.

Downs face the very same Maritzburg on Wednesday in a league match at Harry Gwala Stadium that Mosimane says is actually more important than Sunday’s meeting.

Sundowns will seal the Absa Premiership if they achieve a better result at Maritzburg than Orlando Pirates manage at home to Bidvest Wits.

“We just pray that we don’t go to extra-time no matter what (on Sunday) because it affects the Wednesday game, because that is the most important game. We don’t want a heavy pitch because if it rains, that pitch can be really heavy.”

ALSO READ: Sundowns defender reveals talks with Belgium club

For more news your way

Download our app and read this and other great stories on the move. Available for Android and iOS.

For more news your way

Download our app and read this and other great stories on the move. Available for Android and iOS.