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Maritzburg are Top 8 dark horses

Hardly anyone has given Maritzburg United a chance of winning the MTN8, but with Mandla Ncikazi as head coach, anything is possible.

He does, after all, know what it takes to win this competition.

Ncikazi was an assistant coach to Manqoba Mngqithi when Golden Arrows thrashed Ajax Cape Town 6-0 in the MTN8 final at Orlando Stadium in 2009.

The 46-year-old, who faces Kaizer Chiefs in an MTN8 quarterfinal match at FNB Stadium tonight (7.30), is craving success. And what better way to send out a strong message to rivals than to knock out the defending champions in their backyard?

"It would be nice for a KZN team to win a trophy. The last time it happened was when I was with Arrows," said Ncikazi, who has been told by management to finish in the top eight and reach a knockout competition final. It was a good feeling, and as a coach you always crave more success. Hopefully, I am a good omen for Maritzburg. We are optimistic."

Ncikazi, who was a teacher at Siphosethu Primary School between 1992 and 2000, has also worked as an assistant coach at Free State Stars, Durban Stars, Nathi Lions, Polokwane City and the national under-20 women's team. Now he is the main man in charge and wants to turn United into a force the same way Diego Simeone did at Spanish club Atletico Madrid.

"The preparations in pre-season have gone well. We are on track and the team looks good. Like Simeone, I want to find a way to bring success with limited resources," he said.

The Team of Choice will be without Zimbabwean striker Evans Rusike and Kenyan defender Brian Onyango, their new recruits who have not as yet received work permits. "John Paintsil is also waiting for his work permit," Ncikazi said.

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