Fadlu Davids, assistant-coach of Orlando Pirates, Image: Philip Maeta/Gallo Images
By Thys Khiba
Johannesburg – Orlando Pirates Assistant Coach Fadlu Davids has encouraged his players to be brave and attack as they were preparing themselves to face what he calls ‘stubborn’ Maritzburg United in the DStv Premiership league.
“We have to be brave and attack. We have to come together as a team and face challenges that lies ahead,” said Assistant Coach Fadlu Davids.
Orlando Pirates Assistant Coach has indicated that their challenges are the 27th points in the league that are remaining to play for. “We are going for all 27, that has to be our mind-set… move forward and together United as a team.”
Davids says that Maritzburg United is a team that is well structured with high intensity.
Maritzburg United is now on the 13th position of the log, three points clear of the relegation playoff spot – currently occupied by Chippa. And obviously they need to keep up their form if they are to truly escape the lower-table scrap.
“We still have space for improvement because we are still making mistakes, we know some players are not where we want them to be,” said Maritzburg United Coach Ernst Middendorp.
Orlando Pirates will be looking forward to redeem themselves when they return to the DStv Premiership action for the first time in almost a month, facing Maritzburg United at the Orlando Stadium as a home ground advantage. The match is scheduled to take place on Sunday 18 April at 18h30.
Pirates will be going into this match without their two influential stars when they face Maritzburg United in the DStv Premiership on Sunday.
Pirates are aiming to bounce back in the league after a 4-1 Nedbank Cup quarter-final humbling at the hands of Mamelodi Sundowns on Thursday evening.
Pirates will be without the services of last season’s Lesley Manyethela Golden Boot winner Gabadinho Mhango and centre-back Thulani Hlatshwayo – with both ruled out through suspension.
Pirates suffered a 1-0 defeat in the hands of their arch rivals Kaizer Chiefs as their last match of the league on the 21 of March. Meanwhile, a further setback arrived on Thursday 15 April when they were beaten 4-1 in the quarterfinals of the Nedbank Cup by Mamelodi Sundowns.
Meanwhile, Orlando Pirates captain, Happy Jele says whatever happened in the past will matter very little as Orlando Pirates will be visiting the defeating champions Mamelodi Sundowns at Loftus Versfeld for the last Nedbank Cup quarterfinal match on Thursday.
“It’s a different ball game, a cup game. Obviously, each team wants to proceed to the next round. We’re not going to be there just to show our faces. We’re there to play as a team, fight for a positive result so that we can continue our run in the tournament,” said Jele.