SAMMY Troughton will mull over a return to the starting line-up for Uganda international Geoffrey Massa when his University of Pretoria side travel to Maritzburg United tomorrow.

Massa scored after coming off the bench in the 2-1 loss at AmaZulu on Tuesday night, and Troughton was impressed with his impact after he and co-coach Sly Mosala decided not to start with their leading scorer this season. "He came on and did all right," Troughton said.

"He didn't play against Orlando Pirates and I thought the guys that played had done well with [Thabo] Mnyamane and Atusaye [Nyondo], who both scored against Swallows."

Massa netted from a free-kick that outlined his quality and gives Troughton much to ponder ahead of a difficult away day at Harry Gwala Stadium in Pietermaritzburg. "He [Massa] gave us another dimension and he scored a great goal and apart from that, I don't know why he didn't take the other free-kick, but he will get his chance."

AmaTuks have stayed over in Durban and will travel to Pietermaritzburg today, with Troughton and Mosala also using the bus journey to think about who will replace suspended midfielder Mpho Matsi.

"It's a blow for us. He's a key player but I guess it allows someone else the opportunity to shine."

Troughton believes the side have put behind them the disappointment of the Usuthu result, a game played in terrible conditions that made life difficult for both sides.

"We have already discussed it and we are lucky to have another fixture so close to fully put it behind us. You can't judge the players on the AmaZulu game, the conditions were terrible for both sides and it made life very difficult."

He also acknowledges he will play a side full of confidence after United won at Orlando Pirates on Tuesday night. "Maritzburg will have their tails up after a great result against Pirates . but again we have to view this as an opportunity to do something good," he added.