Maritzburg United have put the Mamelodi Sundowns’ humiliation behind them, and midfielder Rowan Human is eyeing a derby comeback on Friday night.
Maritzburg face Golden Arrows in the KZN derby on the back of a humiliating 5-0 defeat that put coach John Maduka’s job on the line.
Even worse, the Pietermaritzburg side has not tasted victory in five straight games, leaving them languishing at the tail end of the DStv Premiership table.
Interestingly, Arrows’ coaches Mabhuti Khenyeza and Vusi Vilakazi are also under scrutiny to deliver results.
MAKE UP FOR HUMILIATION
Before the Sundowns defeat, Maritzburg drew twice against AmaZulu and Richards FC. They then lost to Stellenbosch and SuperSport United.
Nonetheless, Human claims the mood in the camp is fine, as players want to make up for their humiliation on Tuesday.
“The mood is fine. We have not had time to prepare. We were playing on Tuesday, and we want to make up for that performance and defeat. It was not easy. The guys are ready. They look ready,” Human explained.
“I think no game needs motivation, every game you play. You want to play. You want to do your best. A derby is something extra special because it is all about bragging rights.”
“Also, you do not want to lose derbies, it’s a reputation thing, and we want to make up for our recent performances.”
They meet Abafana Bes’thende, who are also coming from a derby defeat against Royal AM on Tuesday. They also have not recorded a victory in four games.
Human knows what Arrows will bring and is positive that they can stop the fast-attacking side.
“They’re a good team, not a bad team at all. They’ve good players, are very fast and move the ball very well. They are good, but I feel like we can match them and do better.”
This is their last match before the FIFA World Cup break. Both teams would like to give their supporters something to comfort them.
In the last five meetings between the two, Arrows have had an upper hand, winning three. United have only won two. With the Team of Choice scoring eight, Abafana Bes’thende scored nine.
