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Davids believes break could be what Maritzburg needed
'There are a few tactical elements that we needed to work on and take not only into this game but for the rest of the season,' says Davids.
Rowan Human and coach Fadlu Davids of Maritzburg United during the DStv Premiership match against Orlando Pirates on February 17. Photo: Lefty Shivambu/Gallo Images
A two week break was a blessing Fadlu Davids needed in his quest to save Maritzburg United from relegation in the DStv Premiership.
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Maritzburg didn’t have any fixtures last weekend because they were knocked out of the Nedbank Cup in its early stages.
And Davids says the break came when he needed it as he felt there were things that demanded his attention in the Maritzburg team.
“We had two weeks to prepare… So, that’s a lot of time to focus on ourselves,” says Davids.
“There are a few tactical elements that we needed to work on and take not only into this game but for the rest of the season.”
With five games remaining, Maritzburg are at the bottom of the Premiership standings.
They have only managed to eke out 24 points in 25 games and their situation is getting desperate with each game.
But Davids remains positive that they can still turn it around and keep their Premiership status.
“We have dealt with the situation the entire season, that’s where the club has been,” adds Davids.
‘Nothing new,’ says Davids
“It is nothing new to the players. The only thing that is different, is that there are only five matches remaining. The good thing is that it is in our hands.”
Maritzburg will continue their fight on Friday night at Harry Gwala Stadium where they host provincial neighbours Richards Bay.
Davids called on their twelfth player, the Blue Army – as their supporters are known – to add their voice.
“In the five matches, we have three home matches, we really urge the fans to get behind us.
“We want to be in the situation to save the club, first and foremost. We want to create a scenario – that it is the last time Maritzburg is fighting relegation,” said Davids.
It is not the first time that Maritzburg are hanging by a thread towards the end of the season in the Premiership.
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It is something that happens almost every season for the KwaZulu-Natal based side.
And while other teams in the similar predicament like Chippa United have promised their players huge bonuses if they survive, Maritzburg have not done the same.
