Dube Birds expect cup final conditions against Maritzburg

In the scrap to avoid relegation from the DStv Premiership, Swallows FC will host Maritzburg United at the Dobsonville Stadium on Thursday evening, with Dube Birds coach Musa Nyatama anticipating one of their toughest games this season.

Kick-off is at 5:30pm (SA, GMT +2)

As it stands, Swallows are two points adrift from the relegation play-off spot in 14th, with Chippa United currently occupying 15th place.

The Team of Choice however, head into their next game at the bottom of the log, three points behind the Dube Birds.

Swallows go into the Maritzburg tie on the back of a damaging 3-0 defeat against Stellenbosch at the Danie Craven Stadium last week. As for the rest of the Dube Birds' form sheet, Nyatama’s charges recorded just one win in their last five matches.

Speaking after their defeat to Stellenbosch, Nyatama said that they have been keeping tabs on Richards Bay and that they expect a tough game at home.

“Another tough encounter against them [Maritzburg], we watched them when they played Richards Bay,” Nyatama said.

“Each and every game is a cup final for us, we have 12 points to work hard for. It’s up for grabs and I think we can do it.”

With one win in their last nine DStv Premiership games, Maritzburg face an uphill battle to remain in South Africa’s top flight.

Maritzburg last recorded a victory on 2 April, when they claimed a vital 2-1 away win against TS Galaxy at the Mbombela Stadium.

The Team of Choice go into their Dube Birds encounter on the back of a 1-1 draw against Richards Bay, a game that saw Genino Palace score a 90th-minute equaliser in rescuing a point for his side.

Reflecting on the frustrating stalemate, Maritzburg coach Fadlu Davids quickly shifted his attention onto the upcoming games, saying that the result will give them the added motivation to fight for their place in the DStv Premiership.

“Six points in our next two games is clear, but let’s first focus on the next one. We will analyse them, and getting three points against Swallows is vital first,” Davids said.

“Not losing this game was very important to give us confidence and we will take the momentum to the next game.

“One thing for sure is that we will not give up. For the remaining matches, we will give everything to get the three points.

“The draw has given us the motivation to push and we could have got the winner with the pressure we were putting them in.”

PLAYERS TO WATCH:

Keegan Allan: As a staple in the Dube Birds' defence this season, Allan will be counted on to ward off the Maritzburg attackers. As an astute reader of the game, Allan’s ability to break up play from defensive situations will be crucial in games going forward.

Waseem Isaacs: The robust striker is a willing runner and is a tricky customer to deal with when provided space and time. The Team of Choice backline will have to be wary of the striker’s darting runs in and around the penalty area.

Maritzburg United:

Karim Kimvuidi: The silky midfielder is considered to be one of the best up-and-coming players in the PSL at the moment. With power, skill and speed to his advantage, Kimvuidi is most dangerous when driving the ball forward from deeper positions in midfield.

Wayde Jooste: The pacey wing-back was a star performer in Maritzburg’s recent tie and looked dangerous when getting beyond the opposition full-back. Jooste’s delivery into the box will also be an important weapon against a defensively vulnerable Swallows outfit.