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Maritzburg can still survive, insists coach Fadlu Davids
'Not to lose this one was very important. It has given us a small nudge and we will use that nudge to take the momentum to the next game,' said Davids.
Alfred Ndengane, captain of Maritzburg United celebrates their goal during the DStv Premiership match against Richards Bay at Harry Gwala Stadium on 21 April 21, 2023. Photo: Darren Stewart/Gallo Images
Relegation has become a grim reality for Maritzburg United who are 16th in the DStv Premiership table with four games to the end.
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But Maritzburg coach Fadlu Davids believes the hard fought draw against Richards Bay FC last weekend has brought back confidence.
Davids feels they could move out of the position they are in which is the automatic relegation spot.
After 26 games, Maritzburg have 25 points. Chippa United above them have 26, Swallows and Marumo Gallants are on 28.
Statistically, 12 of the 16 teams in the league can still be relegated. Maritzburg can finish on 41 points if they win the remaining four games.
Kaizer Chiefs, who are fourth in the standings, are currently on 41 points after their loss to Sekhukhune United last weekend.
This is perhaps why Davids feels Maritzburg can still avoid the costly chop.
“One thing that is for sure now is that we will not give up,” said Davids after the 1-1 draw against Richards Bay.
“We will take the same mentality and aggressive approach to win matches. If we need to create more, we will have to create more…
“It is goals that we are missing. Look at how we did with Richards Bay in the first half and also in the second there were some chances,” added Davids.
Maritzburg keeps hopes alive
Maritzburg had to come from behind to grab an important point that keeps their survival hopes alive.
“Not to lose this one was very important. It has given us a small nudge and we will use that nudge to take the momentum to the next game.
“We will push in the next game and every game (left). We will give our everything to get the three points” said the Maritzburg mentor.
“It gives us the motivation to push. Imagine if we had not equalised? And we could have gone and scored the winner based on the pressure we were putting them under.
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“Of course conceding the goal on a counter attack is something we have to fix… Because if we are going to be aggressive and pouting numbers forward teams will put two/three players in rest attacks to catch us.
“We have to organise our rest defence better,” added Davids. Maritzburg’s next assignment is at fellow relegation candidates Swallows on Thursday.
