Maritzburg United have opened the gates for their Absa Premiership match against SuperSport, and they hope the 12 000 fans that pitch up at the Harry Gwala Stadium will help carry them to a desperately needed victory on Saturday .
The Team of Choice have been lobbying support all week in the city, praying that the 12th man will be enough to secure the three points.
Eric Tinkler’s side is bottom of the table as it stands, but they could jump from 16th to 13th come the end of round 29.
Captain Brian Onyango says they need the support of their fans.
Maritzburg claimed an unexpected three points from their trip to Thohoyandou last weekend, when they stunned equally desperate Black Leopards 2-1.
It was a result that reignited hope after they looked doomed following defeat to Orlando Pirates the previous game. Now, their chances are looking slightly more positive and Onyango admits that winning the match in Limpopo was crucial to their survival hopes.
Although they are bottom of the table, Maritzburg’s superior goal difference means that should they win, they were likely to climb off the bottom of the table for the first time since Fadlu Davids was in charge in 2018.
The Team of Choice are on 23 points with Chippa United (24 points) above them set to travel to Polokwane City on Saturday.
At the same time, Free State Stars and Leopards (both on 26 points) are away at Kaizer Chiefs and AmaZulu, respectively.
Should any of the three stumble it will be a chance for Maritzburg to capitalise. Onyango knows the stakes are high. – Report by Thahir Asmal
