Maritzburg and SuperSport United hope to use Nedbank Cup to improve league form

Johannesburg — SuperSport United and Maritzburg United might be sitting at opposite ends of the Premiership table, but the two teams will be eager to use the Nedbank Cup as a springboard that will help them to meet their respective targets this season.

SuperSport are sixth on the log, while Maritzburg are 13th. But they’ll meet at Harry Gwala Stadium tonight in the Nedbank Cup last 32, banking on a good performance, and progression to the last 16, to help in their quest to climb up on the log.

Sure, a top three finish and saving their status remain the ultimate goal for SuperSport and Maritzburg. But they’ll know that regular competition yields consistency, while the Nedbank Cup winner bags R7 Million and a continental qualification.

The extinction of Bidvest Wits had seen many experts tip SuperSport to be the team that'll be among the top four in the land. But Kaitano Tembo and his men have stuttered. This is thanks to the loss of integral personnel – to rivals and injuries.

Teboho Mokoena, arguably the most prized local player, recently made a big switch from SuperSport to rivals Mamelodi Sundowns, leaving a huge void in their midfield. This will force Tembo to look around his dressing room for a replacement.

That replacement will likely be one of the emerging youngsters – such as Jamie Webber and Jesse Donn – given that the club’s financial woes are well documented. This could either make or break the team, given the stage of the season.

The team also suffered a major blow last week, with striker Bradley Grobler ruled out for the rest of the season due to an injury. But there’s no time to sulk and moan, senior players such as Ronwen Williams have to step up at this stage.

Williams have been a pillar of strength for