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Maritzburg out for revenge

Pietermaritzburg - Goalkeeper Shu-Aib Walters has revealed that revenge is one of the big motivating factors for Maritzburg United ahead of their Nedbank Cup quarter-final clash against title holders SuperSport United.

The two teams meet at Harry Gwala Stadium in Pietermaritzburg on Saturday.

The Team of Choice are enjoying a solid league campaign, lying fifth with just six games remaining, and also reached the last eight of the Telkom Knockout competition where they were beaten 2-0 by SuperSport at the same venue in November.

“I think it’s a perfect scenario. We’ve got a lot going for us this season and it’s nice to have something more to play for going into the final stages of the season,” Walters said on Wednesday.

“We also need to get some revenge on them from the Telkom Knockout when we lost to them at the same stage.

“So we’ve got a perfect opportunity here and a lot to play for. We’re going to be extremely motivated on the day."

The captain refused to choose which was more important for his team - the league or the cup - with one often becoming a distraction to the other in a club’s pursuit of success.

“We know at this stage that every game has to be taken seriously or we will fall behind,” Walters said.

“So every single match we’re playing is being played like a cup final.

“The guys are prepared mentally and this game is no different to any of the league games we’re going to be playing because we want to finish in the top eight in that competition.

"We also want to win something, and we’re two games away from that, while we also know we can end up fifth (in the Premiership).

"So we've got it all going for us and that’s something that is also motivating every one of us.”

Walters warned, though, that they were in an awkward place, which could see the wheels come off very quickly.

“It’s a tricky situation because in three or four games time, it can be a devastating season for us on one hand, while on the other it can be the best season ever for Maritzburg United.

“So it’s touch and go. We’re fortunate enough to be in a situation where we can get to a final.”

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