The Absa Premiership encounter takes place at the Harry Gwala Stadium with kick off set for 8pm.
Last season saw the two sides playing to a 2-2 draw in Pietermaritzburg. Overall, in the head-to-head record, there have been five matches played, with Highlands winning two, Maritzburg one, and two draws.
Adding additional flavour to Friday night’s match is the fact that both teams lost their opening fixtures last weekend – Maritzburg being edged out 0-1 by Golden Arrows, while the Lions of the North were on the wrong side of a five goal thriller against Kaizer Chiefs.
In celebrating Women’s Day, Maritzburg have given free tickets to our female supporters, and the club is expecting a strong turn-out at the Harry Gwala Stadium, as has been the case in recent seasons as the community has gotten right behind the team, much to the club’s appreciation.
The players and the technical team are now determined to use this to their advantage and to ensure the home fans go home smiling.
“Obviously it’s very important for us to start well at home,” said Team of Choice captain Nazeer Allie.
“So it’s vital that we go out on Friday night and get all three points against Highlands Park.
“Preparations have gone well this week. The new signings have settled in well – everything’s in place and we know what’s expected of us on Friday.
“Highlands Park are a difficult team to play against – an aggressive, hard-running team - strong and physical, they play long balls. It will be a tough game, but we’re well prepared and looking forward to it.”
Head coach Eric Tinkler also emphasised just how crucial it is for the Team of Choice to tap into their loyal support base in the KZN Midlands.
“Our home games this season are very, very, very important. Harry Gwala Stadium has to be a fortress,” he said.
“We set ourselves a target of the first five games trying to collect 10 points. We didn’t pick up any against Arrows, so that makes
Friday’s game even more important. All our home games. We need to target at least 10 wins at home this season - that guarantees safety already.”
FREE TICKETS FOR WOMEN'S DAY: Tickets can be collected from the Maritzburg United offices on Wednesday and Thursday, unfortunately NOT on Friday though.
The address is 397 Victoria Road, Pietermaritzburg, and for any inquiries please call 033 345 5666 or email us on info@maritzburgunited.co.za.
*We also have a Special #Hastag for all those Special Women out there. So let us know what you think by tagging us on all social posts using the #United4Women.
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