Posted in News on Sep 08, 2010.
Last season with the Harry Gwala Stadium under renovations Maritzburg hosted Chiefs at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Druban, with the game moving back to Pietermaritzburg it sees Chiefs return to the site of their controversial loss to United two seasons ago.
It was during Chiefs second game of the 2008 – 2009 season when they went down 3-2 to Maritzburg at the Harry Gwala Stadium, the game will be remembered for the fact that former Maritzburg defender Gary Goldstone broke the nose of Chiefs ex striker Tshepo Bulu during the game.
Last season when the teams clashed United defeated Chiefs in the first game at the Orlando Stadium by a goal to nil, Rudolf Bester’s spectacular goal saw the visitors to a 1-0 victory and it also earned the Namibian international the prize for goal of the season.
In the return encounter in Durban it was plain sailing for Chiefs who defeated Maritzburg 3-1, Nkhosinathi Nhleko got Chiefs on their way opening the scoring on 33 minutes Musa Nyatama managed to score a goal to bring United level. Late goals first from Zhaimu Jambo in the 82nd minute which was his first goal for the Amakhosi and a second five minutes later from Abia Nale sealed a 3-1 Chiefs win.
Games between the clubs are traditionally high scoring encounters during the 2006 – 2007 season Chiefs scored nine goals during the two games against Maritzburg that campaign, in the first match Chiefs ran home 6-1 winners.
Kaizer Motaung Junior grabbed a hat trick and in the return game at the Harry Gwala Stadium Chiefs won 3-0 to complete their only home and away double over Maritzburg in a single season so far.
Going in to tonight’s encounter Maritzburg will be boosted by the fact that their Ghanaian defender John Aruwah will be able to feature as he recently received his work permit, there were questions marks over the availability of Rudolph Bester the Namibian had been struggling with an injury.
The match sees Chiefs renew acquaintances with their former Coach Ernst Middendorp, who was at the helm of the Amakhosi during the 2005 – 2006 season and for half of the following campaign. United loss their opening game of the season to Amazulu as they went down 3-2.
For The Amakhosi they will be buoyed by the fact the Knowledge Musona is on form the striker scored for his country Zimbabwe at the weekend during a 2012 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying game against Liberia.
Amakhosi keeper Itumeleng Khune will be targeting a third clean sheet for the season and will aiming to replicate his performances from the MTN 8 Quarterfinal win over Bloemfontein Celtic and the opening league game against Arrows.
