2024 August 14, 2024

Official Club Statement

Curtain Draws Close On Memorable Period In Pietermaritzburg Football History

It is with a heavy heart that we inform you of a significant change for Maritzburg United Football Club.

After exhaustive efforts and much deliberation, we have made the difficult decision to relocate the club to a new city, effective from the start of the 2024/ 2025 season.

This decision has been prompted by a lack of support from the leadership of our Municipality - despite our numerous efforts and attempts to engage in dialogue and find a solution regarding the use of a stadium for official league matches over the last 12 months, we have been unable to secure the necessary support to sustain the club in Pietermaritzburg and challenge for promotion back to the Premier Soccer League.

As we say goodbye, we would like to express our deepest gratitude to our sponsors, partners and most importantly, the “Blue Army” – the club’s incredible supporters. Your unwavering support and passion have been the lifeblood of Maritzburg United. You have stood by us through victories and losses, through the good times and the challenging periods. Your loyalty has been an integral part of our identity and success.

We will always cherish the memories and achievements we shared together. The local community were always at the heart of everything we did at the Team of Choice. From an array of outreach programs and collaborations, many relationships were forged and we would like to think that we helped unite the city of Pietermaritzburg – across all walks of life - during our 21 years.

We would also like to believe that the club provided hope and opportunity for the youth of the region as holistic development of local talent was always a cornerstone of our club. And indeed there have been many individuals – both players and coaches, who have made the most of the supportive and nurturing environment at Maritzburg United before going onto to even greater heights in their careers.

The PSL Journey

• After being promoted in 2008, The Club maintained its stay in the PSL for the following 15 seasons thereafter and grew in leaps and bounds during this period.

• “Friday Night Lights” became an instant hit with thousands of fans packing the Harry Gwala stadium for home matches as United became one of the most passionately supported football teams in the country.

• During this period the Club reached two Cup Finals against Free State Stars and Mamelodi Sundowns in the Nedbank Cup and Telkom Cup, however ending up as runners up on both occasions.

• Since the 2014/ 15 season, the Team of Choice achieved four top-eight league finishes, with our best finish of fourth place coming in 2018.

• A number of local youngsters were identified and developed by the club with the likes of Bandile Shandu, Ryan Moon, Siphesihle Ndlovu and Bongokuhle Hlongwane just some examples of players who have gone on to enjoy stellar careers.

• The club had also recruited a number of players over the years who then established themselves in Pietermaritzburg before moving on locally and internationally and in several cases, representing their countries.

We understand that the moving of the club to a new city is disappointing and frustrating for all of those who have been associated with the Team of Choice, but please understand that this decision was not made lightly and was guided purely by the basis of ensuring that the club has the best possible chance of challenging for promotion back to the Premier Soccer League.

Thank you for your understanding , loyalty and support during this time of change. We are committed to preserving our history and legacy whilst embracing the opportunities that this new chapter presents.

Details around the club’s relocation will be made swiftly as we prepare for the upcoming
campaign.

Farook Kadodia
Maritzburg United Chairman

ENDS