Telkom Knockout: Form goes out of the window in the cup – Buchanan

Maritzburg United midfielder Keegan Buchanan believes that form will count for little when they meet Kaizer Chiefs in a Telkom Knockout semi-final in Nelspruit.

Buchanan believes that cup matches take on the air of a derby where desire and determination will be key factors.

Maritzburg United haven’t played champagne football this season by any stretch of the imagination, but they have achieved results with grit and good fortune. The Team of Choice are eighth in the PSL and one match away from the Telkom Knockout Final.

United face a stiff test in the shape of Kaizer Chiefs who have regained the swagger of South Africa’s most decorated team.

The team from the KZN Midlands will hope to take advantage of the enormous pressure on Kaizer Chiefs players to end the club’s four-year trophy drought.

Telkom Knockout pressure on Chiefs

“When you play a cup game, especially a semi-final, I think form, like in a derby, go shows out the window,” said Buchanan in the build-up to the match this week.

“Everybody wants to win, and I don’t think the pressure is on us because we’re not expected to win. The pressure is all on Chiefs, and in the end, it’s whoever wants it more on the day.

“We’re just preparing like a normal game, although of course, we would like to help the club reach its second final in the PSL. But the first step is to play this game and not think too much about the final.”

No point to prove or axe to grind

Buchanan insisted he had nothing to prove against his former club and only has thoughts of getting Maritzburg United into the Telkom Knockout final.

“It’s my former team but I’m happy for my club that we have reached the semi-final, obviously I want my team to win and I don’t think I have a point to prove against my former club – there is no personal vendetta. I just want to get more minutes under my belt and help the team.

“This is a first opportunity for me to win some silverware and I couldn’t be at a better place,” he continued.

“Chiefs are a bit more direct now and they have become more competitive, they’ve got more grit now and that’s why they are on the run of form they’re on.

“But in the cup its always an open game, so there’s a better chance to win, and the way we’ve been going this season, anyone is beatable.”

Telkom Knockout semi-final: Kaizer Chiefs vs Maritzburg United, 15:00, Mbombela Stadium, Nelspruit, Sunday 24 November.