Fadlu Davids targets Kaizer Chiefs clash as Maritzburg United turning point

Maritzburg will host Chiefs at Harry Gwala Stadium on Friday (20h00) on the back of three straight losses in 2018/19.

Davids insists his men will not lack for motivation when they take on the Soweto giants.

"I think it is the best thing now that we are playing Kaizer Chiefs, I don't need to motivate them," said Davids, who watched Amakhosi's 1-1 draw with Baroka FC on Tuesday at Peter Mokaba Stadium.

"You know I want them to brave. I want them to really walk with their chests out because they are good team and they know it ... they are a fantastic team.

"They just have to believe it. We have to tweak a few things and I definitely feel we will be ready for them."

Davids pointed out the Team of Choice started last season with three consecutive wins before going 11 games without a victory, which included an eight-match scoreless run.

However, Maritzburg managed to turn the corner with a 4-2 win over Cape Town City in October, as they landed up finishing a best-ever fourth in the league and reached a maiden cup final where they lost to Free State Stars in the Nedbank Cup decider.

"Last season I won the first three games in a row and then we went 11 games without a win," Davids said.

"So I'd rather start this way and kick-start my season in the next month. We are going to use this month after Kaizer Chiefs, because we will only play on September 15 [at home against Bidvest Wits], to really get the whole squad ready.

"To get the whole squad fit and to really understand the whole concepts with the new players, and then we'll be a force."

The Team of Choice have been boosted by the return of striker Andrea Fileccia from a calf strain, but midfielder Fortune Makaringe will complete his suspension tomorrow night.

New signing Nazeer Allie and fellow defender Brian Onyango are doubtful as they lack match fitness.