Fadlu Davids targets Kaizer Chiefs clash as Maritzburg United turning point
Posted: 16 August 2018 Time: 17:00
Maritzburg United coach Fadlu Davids feels playing Kaizer Chiefs presents a great opportunity to banish their woeful start to the season.
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.