Maritzburg coach John Maduka will be eager to extend their home unbeaten run when they face an offensive Orlando Pirates on Sunday evening at Harry Gwala Stadium.
While the Team of Choice has started very slow under Maduka, they are yet to lose at home.
They have recorded three draws against Sekhukhune, Swallows and Cape Town City. They lost against Kaizer Chiefs and Royal AM, only picking one win against Chippa United.
Maduka, however, insists they will treat the game like any other. He wants his charges to be able to match them and capitalise on their mistakes.
“Every game we play, we play to win. It is not only about Orlando Pirates. We must treat every game the same, have the right attitude, and be able to attack and defend because we play a very offensive team,” Maduka told the media.
“They always try to take the game to the opponents in the first half, we must be able to deal with their strengths, and we know they also have weaknesses. We have to capitalise on that.”
With coach Maduka talking about a good attitude, defender Brian Hlongwa must deal with the fast-paced Orlando Pirates attack.
He wants his teammates to keep a clean sheet and convert chances, as they desperately want to win.
“We must score two or more goals and get a clean sheet, win the game because we desperately want to win this game,” he said.
The last time the two teams met, the Buccaneers won 4-1 at Orlando Stadium, with Thembinkosi Lorch, Kwame Peprah, Kabelo Dlamini and Deon Hotto on the score sheet.
Friday Samu gave United a consolation goal in that game. The Buccaneers are currently third in the log. A win will take them to number one, while the hosts have a chance to jump from 13 to seven with a win.
