Kaizer Chiefs keen to avenge TKO defeat against Maritzburg United

Kaizer Chiefs have added motivation to show up against Maritzburg United on Sunday, following defeat in their earlier encounter.

The two sides met in the Telkom Knockout semi-final in Mbombela earlier in the month, where the Team of Choice stunned Amakhosi to reach the final.

Tough workout anticipated at Harry Gwala Stadium

The loss was the first suffered by the Soweto giants since September, and denied them a chance to end their four-year trophy drought.

Defender Daniel Cardoso, who has been a mainstay in the starting line-up, is anticipating another tricky outing against Eric Tinker’s charges. 

“Last time we played them we lost. We were on a good run and they broke our momentum. It’s going to be a tough one again. They were unlucky to lose in the Telkom Knockout final on the weekend. They are a good team with good players and a good coach.”

Daniel Cardoso

Grudge match for Kaizer Chiefs

Despite the shock defeat, the Glamour Boys were able to return to winning ways almost immediately, beating Bloemfontein Celtic 5-3 in what was a fiercely contested affair in Durban.

While the break may not have been entirely welcome, seeing that it was at the expense of contesting the final, it’s afforded the players some much-needed rest, something their opponents have not enjoyed. 

Cardoso – who did not have the best of outings in the previous encounter with Maritzburg – says the team is refreshed ahead of the grudge match.

“We have been training well over the last week or so. I know in the cup game against Maritzburg my performance was not up to my usual standard,” he added.

“It was not easy on me after the last game against Maritzburg, but we won  two league games after that and we go into this game with a positive attitude and heading into the festive break what is important is that we maintain our nine point lead at the top of the table.”

Daniel Cardoso

Maritzburg United are seeking their first league victory against Kaizer Chiefs since March 2015.

Amakhosi have since won six of their nine encounters, with Maritzburg only tasting victory in the recent Telkom Knockout encounter.

Kick off on Sunday is at 15:30 (SAST).