Brian Onyango of Maritzburg Utd tackling Mogakolodi Ngele of Bidvest Wits during the 2016 Premier Soccer League match between Maritzburg Utd and Bidets Wits held at the Harry Gwala Stadium in Pietermaritzburg, South Africa on the 20th December 2016

Photo by: Steve Haag / Real Time Images

Maritzburg United vs Bidvest Wits: Head to head, team news, kick off and live stream

The teams may be at opposite ends of the PSL table, but that means nothing in the Telkom Knockout. Maritzburg United vs Bidvest Wits will be a cracker.

by Tom Head

02-11-2018 12:40

in Premier Soccer League

Photo by: Steve Haag / Real Time Images

It’s the business end of the Telkom Knockout, as the last eight teams make their bid for cup glory. Maritzburg United vs Bidvest Wits is our Saturday night fixture, as the PSL league leaders visit the struggling KZN side. However, in cup games, we all know form means nothing.

These two sides clashed back in September, as United dug in for a hard-fought 0-0 at their place. Wits will return with renewed confidence, as they put last season’s nightmare campaign behind them.

Telkom Knockout quarterfinals: What the teams are saying

Coach Gavin Hunt stressed the importance of doing well in the cup last week, saying that the TKO is vital for keeping up momentum and playing time. Getting knocked out of the cup at this stage would see Wits play just one more game in the next month.

Meanwhile, United defender Bokang Thlone has said that a win for his side would be like starting the season fresh: Maritzburg currently sit in the bottom three.

“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.”

“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.”

Injury updates

Bidvest Wits have no fresh injury concerns ahead of the crucial clash and will look to keep changes to a minimum after defeating Highlands Park last week. Meanwhile, Denwin Farmer looks set to shake-off an injury worry, but United will be without long-term absentee Keagan Buchanan.

Maritzburg United vs Bidvest Wits: Head to head record

Look away now, United fans: Your team have won only three of the last 21 encounters with the Clever Boys, whereas Wits have been victorious 10 times. In fact, the visitors have won three of the last four against Maritzburg.