Teams: Maritzburg United v Golden Arrows
Date: 03 January 2020
Venue: Harry Gwala Stadium
Maritzburg United and Golden Arrows will kickstart the return of Absa Premiership when they clash in the KwaZulu-Natal derby on Friday evening at Harry Gwala Stadium.
The Team of Choice finished 2019 strongly, as they were runners-up in the Telkom Knockout after narrowly losing 2-1 to Mamelodi Sundowns in the final while they drew 1-1 with Kaizer Chiefs before the Christmas break.
As a result, Eric Tinkler's charges enter the new year in eighth spot on the table with 18 points from 14 matches.
Meanwhile, Abafana Bes'thende will be aiming to rediscover the form after ending last year with three consecutive league defeats, the last of which was a 2-0 loss at Highlands Park.
Abafana Bes'thende will have to do without defender Gladwin Shitolo due to suspension, while Maritzburgs's Mxolisi Kunene also misses out through suspension.
Despite a dip in form, Arrows should be confident heading to the clash, as they have won the last three league matches between the sides.
In fact, Abafana Bes'thende have not lost to United in their last nine meetings. The last time the Team of Choice beat Arrows was back in March 2016, a 2-0 victory at tonight's venue.
Maritzburg: 31. Ofori, 5. Morgan, 11. Jappie, 45. Mgonyama, 23. De Reuck, 4. Allie, 8. Buchanan, 14. Claasen, 13. Lea'alafa, 6. Timm, 19. Moseamedi.
Subs: 30. Mpandle, 3. Sanoka, 10. Brockie, 21. Hlongwane, Nyoni, 26. Shandu, 7. Kutumela.
Arrows: 32. Gumede, 13. Lunga, 20. Mathiane, 29. Sibisi, 14. Dube, 15. Makhubela, 16. Parusnath, 4. Venter, 26. Phiri, 41. Lamola, 18. Mutizwa.
Subs: 36. Mlungwana, 3. Buthelezi, 2. Nkombelo, 22. Sibeko, 31. Zuke, 33. Gumede, 12. Ndwandwe.
