Local Soccer
| On 10 months ago

Maritzburg unhappy with early Sundowns date, it could favour them

By Sibongiseni Gumbi

What Maritzburg United have seen as disadvantage and unfairness could actually just be a blessing in disguise for the relegation threatened side. 

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Club boss Farouk Kadodia has complained about his team having to play their final game four days before the others. 

Maritzburg wil wrap their DStv Premiership season with a trip to Loftus Versfeld Stadium on Tuesday evening where they meet champions-elect Mamelodi Sundowns. 

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With the other relegation candidates, Chippa United and Marumo Gallants only finishing their games on Saturday, Kadodia felt this was unfair. 

“We have been disappointed. We made a request to the League (PSL) for all matches to be played at the same time, the Gallants, Chippa and our game, but they refused. 

“After our game, everything is left loose for whatever result to come, that’s our bit of concern,” Kadodia told the media. 

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Maritzburg wary of possible match fixing

Kadodia was speaking after their big 1-0 win over Stellenbosch at Harry Gwala Stadium on Saturday afternoon. 

“The whole idea of PSL is fair play and this is not fair play. Whatever reasons they gave us on why they can’t change that, is not acceptable.”

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Maritzburg coach Fadlu Davids also raised his concerns over the matter, saying it makes them think of all possible scenarios including match fixing.  

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“It’s difficult because normally on the last day, you don’t want to talk about fixing games and all these things…

“We trust that Golden Arrows will put their best line up, we trust Swallows to go for the win to get into the top eight. 

“But let’s say for instance we lose and both teams play for a draw, we don’t expect that. If you play at the same time, these types of things don’t go through your mind,” said Davids. 

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But with Sundowns possibly preoccupied with their Caf Champions League semifinals match, Maritzburg may just get a lucky win. 

Sundowns will be more worried about Wydad Athletic who they meet on Saturday at Loftus Stadium than Maritzburg as they have already wrapped up the league title. 

Since winning the title with seven games to spare, Sundowns have gone on to drop points and would not be a big surprise if they lose or draw against Maritzburg. 

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