Kaizer Chiefs eye 1st home win as Ernst Middendorp returns to FNB Stadium

Kaizer Chiefs will be aiming for their first home win of the 2020/21 DStv Premiership season when they welcome Maritzburg United to the FNB Stadium on Saturday.

Kick-off is at 17:00.

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Amakhosi have gone six league matches in total without a win and are yet to taste success at home having recorded three draws and one loss from their four home matches.

According to Backpage, Maritzburg United themselves ended a bleak run in build-up to this weekend’s fixture after recording their first win of the campaign last time out against Bloemfontein Celtic.

Not only was the victory The Team of Choice’s first in the league this season, it ended a 14-game drought dating back to the 2019/20 season.

ERNST MIDDENDORP COACHED CHIEFS LAST SEASON

Adding extra spice to the clash is that Maritzburg United are now coached by Ernst Middendorp who was let go by Amakhosi after the 2019/20 season.

Chiefs were pipped to the title on the final day of the season by Mamelodi Sundowns.

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Gavin Hunt replaced Ernst Middendorp at Naturena and apart from success in the CAF Champions League, it’s been a dire start to their domestic campaign as they find themselves in a lowly 13th place in the standings after eight matches.

Amakhosi have picked up just seven points to date thanks to one win, four draws and three defeats.

They are already a yawning 14 points adrift of log leaders Sundowns, albeit having played one fewer match.

“The entire institution of Maritzburg United, stakeholders, fans and supporters were waiting for the first win. It was three points that were needed. It’s the beginning of the year and the first game which presented us with an opportunity to get connected to the rest of the pack.” said Middendorp.

CHIEFS AND MARITZBURG HAVE MET 28 TIMES PREVIOUSLY

In head-to-head stats, Kaizer Chiefs and Maritzburg United have met in 28 league matches since the 2005/06 campaign.

Amakhosi have claimed 13 wins compared to six for The Team of Choice, while nine matches have been drawn.

In home matches, Chiefs have recorded nine wins, two draws and three defeats in 14 matches played to date.

Maritzburg took four points off Chiefs in the teams’ league meetings last season, with a 1-1 draw at Harry Gwala Stadium in December 2019 and a 2-1 win at FNB Stadium in February 2020.

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