Can Maritzburg United upset the applecart by condemning cruising log-leaders Kaizer Chiefs to a sour end to the year?

Well, Team of Choice coach Eric Tinkler sees no reason why they can't outshine Amakhosi again when the two sides meet in a league clash at Harry Gwala Stadium on Sunday (3.30pm).

Going into this match, Maritzburg have already stunned Chiefs in the Telkom Knockout semifinals last month, claiming a convincing 2-1 win at Mbombela Stadium.

However, the KwaZulu-Natal outfit eventually lost the TKO final to Mamelodi Sundowns last week, suffering the same scoreline they overcame Chiefs by. It goes without saying that in Sunday's clash, Maritzburg will seek solace.

"The mood in camp is good, everyone is ready to work. I never look to play for draw, especially when we're playing at home, so I think we can win again . it's doable to beat Chiefs again," said Tinkler.

"We need to perform like we did against Sundowns in the first half. We have to work hard, we beat them in Telkom and that shows we are really capable of beating them again. But I expect them to come hungrier due to the fact they lost to us in the TKO."

As much as he is very confident they can upset Amakhosi again, Tinkler believes Chiefs have what it takes to win the league this season.

"They have enough depth and quality in their squad to maintain the top spot until the end. They've been winning constantly . a lot of good results in the league even though some of the games they didn't play pretty football."

Tinkler sounded rather apprehensive about the threat Chiefs pose in set-plays, with the aerial prowess of striking duo of Samir Nurkovic and Leonardo Castro.

"I think they've scored nine goals from set-pieces, so obviously that's an area that has become a massive strength for them, especially having Nurkovic and Castro."