Maritzburg, Highlands eye TKO semi-final spot

Maritzburg United will welcome Highlands Park in the 2019 Telkom Knockout Cup quarterfinal match at the Harry Gwala Stadium on Friday.

Kick-off is at 8:00 pm CAT.

The Team of Choice reached the last eight after defeating Bidvest Wits 3-1 on penalties following a 1-1 stalemate in the Round of 16 clash earlier this month.

Maritzburg, who have won their last four games across all competitions, are hoping to advance to the Telkom Knockout semifinals for the first time since 2010.

However, Eric Tinkler, the Maritzburg head coach, is wary of Highlands Park, who are an aggressive team.

“We’re all well aware it’s going to be a tough game, they’re a tough, competitive team, very aggressive, and we’ve got to match them in those areas,” Tinkler said.

“Their work rate is very, very high, both in transitions, offensively and defensively."

Meanwhile, Highlands Park secured their place in the quarterfinals after defeating Black Leopards 6-5 on penalties following a 0-0 draw in the Round of 16 match earlier this month.

The Lions of the North, who have lost two of their three Absa Premiership three matches, are looking to reach the Telkom Knockout semifinals for the first time in the PSL era.

Owen Da Gama, the Highlands Park head coach, says his side has a score to settle in the cup competition following their defeat to Orlando Pirates in a league game in midweek.

“We’ve got a score to settle in these cup games and the players are furious,” Da Gama said.

"They work hard all week to come and concede in this fashion. I need to calm them down, lift their spirits and make them understand that this is part of the game.”

MARITZBURG UNITED: PLAYERS TO WATCH

Siyanda Xulu: The lanky defender has been solid at the heart of the Maritzburg defence. Xulu will be keen to play an instrumental role in helping the Team of Choice secure a victory at home.

Thabiso Kutumela: The diminutive striker has been in good form having netted in each of his last two competitive games. Kutumela will be looking to continue his scoring form against Highlands Park.