Maritzburg United will take on their KwaZulu-Natal rivals AmaZulu FC in an Absa Premiership match at the Harry Gwala Stadium on Friday.
Kick-off is at 8:00pm.
The Team of Choice secured their place in the Nedbank Cup Last 16 after defending Swallows FC 3-1 after extra-time at the Donsonville Stadium last weekend.
Prior to their Cup clash with ABC Motsepe side, Maritzburg had lost 2-1 to Orlando Pirates in a league game at the Orlando Stadium almost two weeks ago.
As a result, the Team of Choice are placed sixth on the league standings with 28 points from 20 games. They are three points behind fourth-placed Kaizer Chiefs.
Meanwhile, AmaZulu also booked their place in the Nedbank Cup Last 16 after beating Mthatha Bucks 3-0 on penalties at the King Zwelithini Stadium last weekend.
Before facing National First Division (NFD) outfit, Usuthu had defeated their KwaZulu-Natal rivals Lamontville Golden Arrows 2-1 at home in a league game almost two weeks ago.
AmaZulu are placed eighth on the league standings with 26 points from 20 games. They are only two points behind sixth-placed Maritzburg.
Previous starting line-ups
Maritzburg United: Mpandle, Xulu, De Reuck, Sanoka, Makaringe, Maboe, Kunene, Matima, Atouba, Twala, Fileccia.
AmaZulu: Pule, Sikhakhane, Mabiliso, Nyongo, Ouro-Akoriko, Ncube, Darpoh, Mnguni, Ncobeni, Dlamini S, Abraw.
Head-to-Head
Season Result Scorers
2010/11 Maritzburg 1-1 AmaZulu Sibisi; Hadebe
2011/12 AmaZulu 0-0 Maritzburg
2011/12 Maritzburg 1-1 AmaZulu Malajila; G. Dlamini
2012/13 Maritzburg 2-0 AmaZulu Malajila 2
2012/13 AmaZulu 0-0 Maritzburg
2013/14 AmaZulu 0-2 Maritzburg van Heerden (og), Sekotlong
2013/14 Maritzburg 1-3 AmaZulu Lentjies (pen); G. Dlamini, Ndulula 2
2014/15 Maritzburg 1-1 AmaZulu Cele; Ndulula (pen)
2014/15 AmaZulu 1-2 Maritzburg van Heerden; Mekoa, Mokate
2017/18 AmaZulu 1-1 Maritzburg Cele; Mokate
LEAGUE RECORD (since 2006/07)
Home P W D L GF GA
Maritzburg 8 3 4 1 12 9
AmaZulu 9 1 3 5 6 12
Away P W D L GF GA
Maritzburg 9 5 3 1 12 6
AmaZulu 8 1 4 3 9 12
Total P W D L GF GA
Maritzburg 17 8 7 2 24 15
AmaZulu 17 2 7 8 15 24
What are the teams saying
Maritzburg United striker Andrea Fileccia:
"I’m feeling stronger and the confidence is coming back. For strikers it’s especially important to have that confidence. It’s my job to score goals, so I need to be at my best and on top of my game," he said.
“Yes, I think we’re doing well. We are on track to finish in the top eight, the top seven, or higher. We also want to reach a cup final, and with the win over Swallows, we are still on track; a long way to go, but who knows with a bit of luck.”
AmaZulu midfielder Jabulani Ncobeni:
"We are all motivated because we are undefeated in our last five league games and we are also playing some good football. We moved further away from the relegation zone and we are now in the top eight on the league standings," he said.
“The coach (Cavin Johnson) has been doing a great job hence the team is doing well again. We are now looking forward to facing Maritzburg. It will be another KwaZulu-Natal Derby and we want to do win the match, and grab the bragging rights.”
Maritzburg United key players
Siyanda Xulu: The centre back has established himself as one of Maritzburg’s key defender having scored against Orlando Pirates. The former Mamelodi Sundowns player will be eager to continue his good form against Usuthu and help his side secure a home win.
Andrea Fileccia: The Belgian striker is brimming with confidence after scoring twice against Swallows. The former Free State States striker will be looking score again and help his side grab the bragging rights by beating Usuthu.
AmaZulu key players
Siyabonga Mbatha: The goalkeeper has been in top form for AmaZulu having kept four clean sheets in his last five league games. The former Thanda Roya Zulu shot-stopper will be keen to make it five clean sheets in six matches against Maritzburg.
Siyethemba Mnguni: The attacking midfielder has established himself as a key player for AmaZulu this season having scored twice against Golden Arrows. The former Mbombela United attacker will be hoping to inspire Usuthu to victory in another KwaZulu-Natal Derby.
SUPERSPORTS
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