Maritzburg look to knock Wits out
Maritzburg United will face off with Bidvest Wits in the 2018 Telkom Knockout Cup quarterfinal match at the Harry Gwala Stadium on Saturday.
Kick-off is at 8:15 pm.
The Team of Choice booked their place in the last eight after defeating Highlands Park 2-1 at home almost two weeks ago.
Maritzburg, who have never won the Telkom Knockout, were then beaten 1-0 by Polokwane City away in an Absa Premiership encounter last weekend.
Meanwhile, Wits secured their place in the quarterfinals with a 1-0 win over Free State Stars away almost a fortnight ago.
The Clever Boys, who are the defending Telkom Knockout champions, then recorded a 1-0 win over Highlands Park at home last weekend.
Previous starting line-ups
Maritzburg United: 31. Ofori, 3. Sanoka, 25. Xulu, 26. Shandu, 17. Figariedo, 23. De Reuck, 4. Allie, 11. Makaringe, 41. Zakri, 8. Ndlovu, 22. Mokate.
Bidvest Wits: 16. Keet, 3. Hlatshwayo, 4. Nonyane, 6. Johannes, 8. Monare, 9. Murray, 13. Hlanti, 15. Mkhwanazi, 31. Ritchie, 34. Macuphu, 36. Dzvukamanja.
What are teams saying
Maritzburg United left-back Thato Thlone
"Wits have started well, they’re doing well in the league. When it comes to the cup, it’s a different ball game. We’re prepared well, all is good in our camp and we are ready for Saturday," he said
“A good cup run lifts the spirit of the team. When you keep on winning, you get that belief that you can actually go all the way. If we can beat Wits on the weekend, for us it would be like a new start, and it can lead to greater things for our season."
Bidvest Wits midfielder Thabang Monare
"What is life without pressure? Obviously, every game we are going to play now, we are the team to beat, honestly, as far as the Telkom Knockout is concerned," he said.
"There’s that little bit of pressure and we have put that aside, we just want to take it one game at a time and apply the same formation that we have been applying, working hard as a team. We just hope that we keep going."
Maritzburg United key players
Bandile Shandu: The central midfielder has established himself as a key player for the Team of Choice
this season. Shandu will be hoping to play an important role in helping his side overcome Wits.
Siphelele Ndlovu: The attacking midfielder was on the scoresheet as the Team of Choice beat Highlands Park in the Telkom Knockout clash. Ndlovu will be looking to score again and help his side advance to the semifinal.
Bidvest Wits key players
Keegan Ritchie: The left-footed defender-come-midfielder is slowly establishing himself as a key player for the Clever Boys. Ritchie will be keen to inspire his side to victory in Pietermaritzburg.
Simon Murray: The Scottish striker scored the only goal of the match in the win over Free State Stars in the Telkom Knockout clash. Murray will be eager to score again and help his side reach the semifinals.