Amakhosi coach Vladimir Vermezovic will be hoping that his team display the same kind of fighting spirit and bravery that saw them over come a two goal deficit to earn a last gasp 2 – 2 draw during their midweek clash against Bloemfontein Celtic.

When they play host to Maritzburg United in an Absa Premiership game to be played at the FNB Stadium on Saturday evening, the Chiefs coach will be targeting the three points on offer as Chiefs look to stay in the title battle and keep pace with their township rivals Orlando Pirates who currently lead the table and are two points ahead of Chiefs.

Recent history

The Amakhosi’s largest triumph over Maritzburg United was a 6 – 1 win at home that they recorded against them during a PSL clash on the 17th of December 2006, later that same season (2006 – 2007) Chiefs defeated Maritzburg 3 – 0 in the away game when the teams met for a second time. Those two wins remain Chiefs largest home and away win’s over United and the only time that Chiefs have defeated them both home and away in a season.

Last season in the corresponding fixture Maritzburg defeated Chiefs 1 – 0 which to date since the teams first met during the 1999 – 2000 season when Maritzburg were still known as Tembisa Classic remains the Amakhosi’s only home loss against United in six home league games against them. In the first round clash between the side earlier in the season the game ended 1 – 1.

Form

Chiefs have lost one of their last five games and have won three others while they drew their most recent league game against Bloemfontein Celtic, Amakhosi striker Knowledge Musona will be pleased that he found the back of the net against Celtic scoring a late equalizer to help earn Chiefs a point. As it was his first league goal of 2011 and also his 10th in league action this season and his 14th in all competition.

Maritzburg’s recent run of results has been inconsistent their last league encounter saw them go down 3 – 0 to Golden Arrows but prior to that they recorded a 3 – 0 victory over Ajax Cape Town. Maritzburg have won three of their last five league games and lost two of those.

Missing Out

For Chiefs there are no suspensions for this clash which will ensure that coach Vladimir Vermezovic has a near full strength squad to choose from, as midfielder Reneilwe Letsholonyane and striker Sthembiso Ngcobo make a return from suspension. While winger Siphiwe Tshabalala who returned at the start of the week from a trial at English Championship outfit Nottingham Forest is also available for selection.