MARITZBURG United’s attacking midfielder, Bandile Shandu, reckons their Absa Premiership match against relegation candidates Highlands Park at Makhulong Stadium on Sunday (3.30pm) will be their toughest this season.
The Team of Choice have played and lost two consecutive KwaZulu-Natal derbies in the last two weeks but Shandu says that is nothing compared to what awaits them in Tembisa.
The Lions of the North are fighting for their lives and trying to avoid relegation. Highlands are 15th with 17 points – three more than bottom club Baroka FC.
Having been in a similar situation the whole of last season, Shandu understands very well what it’s like to be in Highlands’ boots.
“The whole of last season we were fighting for our lives. We would play every game like it was a final. I know what they are going through and how they will approach matches. For them any point they get will be valuable at this stage of the season,” said Shandu.
He said he regarded the upcoming match as the toughest they will play so far.
“Teams who are fighting for survival tend to throw everything they have at their opponents. That makes it tougher on the opposition.
“We know what is waiting for us in Tembisa. Personally I believe this game will be our toughest – tougher than both derbies we played recently,” said Shandu.
The 22-year-old said, however, that they were prepared to stand their ground against the struggling Highlands: “We also need three points. We have set goals for ourselves this season and we aim to achieve them.
“The top eight is our main priority,” he explained.
“We will have a go at Highlands with the aim of returning with three points.
“I know it’s going to be a test for us but we are ready for the battle both mentally and physically,” he added.
