Maritzburg United still have a lot of work to do but a win over Golden Arrows in the KwaZulu-Natal Absa Premiership derby at the Chatsworth Stadium on Saturday (3.30pm) would virtually see United home and dry as regards their PSL future.
But United suffered a blow on Tuesday when striker Lebohang Kukame broke his leg in a car accident on his way home from training.
Said coach Gordon Igesund: ”That was a bad blow for Kukame and the club. He will be out for the remainder of the season.”
But apart from Kukame, Igesund has a full squad to choose from. Striker Fadlu Davids and midfielders Sipho Mngomezulu and Fanyana Dhladhla are back after missing the AmaZulu clash.
Said Igesund: ”I now have a pleasant headache of a near full squad to select from and now the three players returning have to fight to get their places back. It is a more healthy position to be in.”
Igesund looks set to write another chapter in his already impressive coaching CV, which has four league titles with as many clubs. And saving newly promoted United from the drop back into the National First Division (NFD) would be an achievement right up there with his title triumphs.
After United won the NFD and promotion, Igesund was signed up and started with eight senior players. He had to buy 17 players and get the side ready within 17 days of the start of the PSL season.
Said Igesund: ”After Arrows we play BidVest Wits at home, then Bay United away. If we can win all three we would be in a more comfortable middle-of-the -log position.”
United scored a heart-stopping 2-1 win over AmaZulu in another local KwaZulu-Natal derby last time out and that has helped the struggling Maritzburg outfit turn the corner.
”Beating AmaZulu was a very important win, but we have also completed a very tough 17 days where we played an incredible six matches, including all the sides in the top five.
”We have eight of our nine remaining matches in Natal, so that is a big help and now that we have played the big guns in the second round, we play the other sides nearer our level and that is where we can pick up points.
”Don’t get me wrong, I have huge respect for the Thanda Royal Zulu, Bay United and Free State Stars who we have to play, but they are closer to our level. We struggled against Sundowns, Orlando Pirates, SuperSport United and Kaizer Chiefs. But now they are behind us. I have great confidence and hope we can start picking up more points starting with Golden Arrows.”
United are sitting on 22 points, five ahead of bottom club Bay. Said the United coach: ”Consistency is the key. That has been the biggest factor in the league this season. The only team to have shown any consistency are Sundowns, who have won five games in a row and are now second. If we could achieve something like that, we would be in the top eight. But my players know they are in for a rough ride and are up for the challenge.”
Igesund will be taking no chances against an Arrows side that promised so much in the first round and were at one stage touted as possible champions, but have slipped out of the top eight and are currently ninth with 27 points.
Igesund will treat Arrows as he would a cup final: ”This is a Natal derby and promises to be an exciting one. I will leave no stone unturned in my preparation. This is a very important match for us and we know we are fighting for survival and will take nothing for granted.” — Sapa