Maritzburg United eye derby win against AmaZulu FC

Maritzburg United coach Eric Tinkler has called for his team to remain grounded ahead of their KwaZulu-Natal derby date against AmaZulu FC at the Harry Gwala Stadium on Friday evening.

The Team of Choice has dominated Usuthu at home in recent years, last losing to them back in 2014.

The Midlands side also boasts vastly contrasting form compared to their provincial counterparts. While United are chasing a top-eight finish and have not lost a game in their last six outings, AmaZulu are locked in a relegation battle at the bottom half of the table. Tinkler says his team must remain focused on their own objectives.

Tinkler is well aware of AmaZulu’s defensive woes and will be hoping his team can take advantage of a team that has conceded seven goals in their last three games.

Tinkler was quick to dissect his own team’s performance in front of goal this season. He bemoaned their conversion rate, saying they should be scoring a lot more goals given the number of scoring opportunities they create each game.

What has turned into something of a cult story, United enjoy a brilliant record at home on a Friday night.

It’s been 16 matches since they last lost a game under lights on Friday. Tinkler accredits much of that to the energy and the supporters who flock in to get behind the Team of Choice.

After beating Golden Arrows in a thrilling derby earlier this month, Tinkler is calling for a similar result.

– Report by Thahir Asmal