Maritzburg United will welcome Baroka FC in an Absa Premiership match at the Harry Gwala Stadium on Friday. Kick-off is at 8pm.

The Team of Choice ended their eight-match winless run in the league when they defeated Cape Town City 4-2 away on Tuesday.

The victory took Maritzburg to 11th spot on the league standings with 14 points from 11 matches. They are two points behind eighth-placed Free State Stars.

Meanwhile, Baroka saw their three-match unbeaten run in the league come to an end when they lost 4-0 to Mamelodi Sundowns away on Tuesday.

As a result, Bakgaga slip down to third spot on the league standings with 19 points from 13 games. They are only behind log leaders Sundowns on goal-difference.

Possible starting line-ups:

Maritzburg United: Ofori, Sanoka, Xulu, Fransman, Shandu, Maboe, Weidlich, Makaringe, Atouba, Mokate, Mekoa

Baroka: Vries, Shaku, Masenamela, Chawaphiwa, Banda, Moeti, Kgoetyane, Ntshangase, Madubanya, Mdantsane, Ngalande.

HEAD-TO-HEAD

All league Results

Season Result Scorers

2016/17 Baroka 0-1 Maritzburg Van Wyk
2016/17 Maritzburg 3-1 Baroka Mngonyama, Mokate, Fransman; Garcia

LEAGUE RECORD (since 2016/17)

Home P W D L GF GA

Maritzburg 1 1 0 0 3 1 Baroka 1 0 0 1 0 1

Away P W D L GF GA

Maritzburg 1 1 0 0 1 0
Baroka 1 0 0 1 1 3

Total P W D L GF GA

Maritzburg 2 2 0 0 4 1
Baroka 2 0 0 2 1 4

What the are teams saying

Maritzburg United head coach Fadlu Davids

"We have to keep our feet on the ground and that can be very tough for a young squad, they can get over-excited," he said.

"They got over-excited by the praise for the football we were playing at the start of the season and it’s my job to be able to keep them calm and focussed.

"It’s a new job, Baroka is a fantastic team, a fantastic coach who allows the players to express themselves," he added.

"It’s a new game, we have to erase this and start afresh for Baroka."

Baroka head coach Kgoloko Thobejane

"It was a test of character for the boys," he said.

"And we have to keep on working hard and be strong because if you want to be a champion these are situations that we must pull through.

"What is done is done and we are focusing on the next match (against Maritzburg United)."

Maritzburg United key players

Bevan Fransman: The towering central defender is one of the most experienced players at the Team of Choice. The former Kaizer Chiefs defender will be eager to marshall the Maritzburg defence and ensure that they keep a clean sheet at home.

Mohau Mokate: The hard-working striker is oozing with confidence after scoring twice for the Team of Choce against Cape Town City. The marksman will be looking to score again and help his side secure a victory over Baroka.

Baroka key players

Letladi Madubanya: The experienced defensive midfielder is the shield in front of the Bakgaga’s defence. The former SuperSport United hard-man will be eager to use his experience to help his side record an away victory.

Robin Ngalande: The Malawian international is enjoying his football again having scored twice in his last two league matches. The striker will be keen to inspire Bakgaga to victory over Maritzburg.