Maritzburg United's players, owner, stadium, coach, trophies, world rankings

In every league, there are teams destined for the top spots. Some are mid-table merchants, while others struggle for survival from relegation. Maritzburg United is among clubs that have struggled to survive in South Africa's top-tier league, the DStv Premiership. The poor form has even deprived many Maritzburg United's players of selection into their national teams. Let us find out more about the South African club, including its squad, stadium, and management.

If you walk down your streets and ask any football fan about Maritzburg United, chances are very few will acknowledge knowing the club. One of the reasons why the South African club is not famous is its poor form. So, who is the owner of Maritzburg United?

Maritzburg United FC's profile

• Full name: Maritzburg United football club
• Nickname: The Team of Choice
• Formed: 1979
• Based in: Pietermaritzburg, South Africa
• League: DStv Premiership
• Chairman: Farook Kadodia
• Coach: Ernst Middendorp
• Captain: Phumlani Ntshangase
• Stadium: Harry Gwala Stadium
• Stadium capacity: 12,000 people
• Twitter: @MaritzburgUtd
• Maritzburg United FC's Instagram: @maritzburgutd
• Market value: Approximately $6 million

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Maritzburg United FC's history

The club was formed in 1979 in Pietermaritzburg, South Africa. It has mainly featured in the second-tier league before securing promotion to the PSL in the early 2000s. Things have not been easy on their side as they continue languishing in the lower parts of the league.

Maritzburg United FC's achievements

The team has not won any major title since its formation. However, Maritzburg United's players have managed to reach two cup finals. The club lost 1-0 to Free State Stars in the Nedbank Cup final on 19 May 2018 at the Cape Town Stadium.

In 2019, they also missed out on the Telkom Knockout title following a heartbreaking defeat by Mamelodi Sundowns in the final. The Brazilians Bafana won 2-1 in extra time, killing their opponent's hopes of winning a major title.

Maritzburg United FC's stadium

The Team of Choice plays its home games at the Harry Gwala Stadium. The multipurpose ground was named after African National Politician Harry Gawala. Initially, the stadium used to host about 10,000 people but underwent renovation in 2009. Currently, it has a capacity of around 12,000 people.

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Maritzburg United FC's squad

How many players in the Team of Choice do you know? The Pietermaritzburg-based club has produced outstanding talents over the years, but only a handful have represented the country's national team.

Teenage sensation Bongokuhle Hlongwane was the latest player from the club to don national team colours. Hlongwane left in January 2022 to join Major League Soccer side Minnesota.

Skipper Phumlani Ntshangase is one of the most experienced players in the current squad. As a result, Ntshangase received the armband ahead of the 2021-22 DStv Premiership season. The midfielder joined the club in September 2020, hoping to help it avoid relegation in the new season.

Maritzburg United's new players

In January 2022, the Team of Choice bolstered its squad with five new signings.

• Tawanda Macheke (forward) from Black Rhinos of Zimbabwe
• Lucky Baloyi (midfielder) signed from Royal AM
• Friday Samu (forward) from Green Buffaloes
• Steven Pereira (defender) peviously of UD Oliveirense in Portugal
• Genino Palace (midfielder) from Académica De Coimbra in Portugal

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Let us also look at the other members of Maritzburg United's squad 2021/22 and their positions:

Goalkeepers

• Tato Lesoma
• Brylon Petersen
• Renaldo Leaner

Defenders

• Alfred Ndengane
• Riyaaz Ismail
• Clayton Daniels
• Nazeer Allie
• Sizwe Muthwa
• Cameron Carnell
• Muzomuhle Ngwane
• Farès Hachi
• Keegan Ritchie
• Nicholus Lukhubeni
• Lungelo Bhengu
• Ashley Wyngaard

Midfielders

• Ryan Rae
• Travis Graham
• Phumlani Ntshangase
• Phiwayinkosi Zuma
• Zukile Kewuti
• Lindokuhle Sithole
• Razeen Bennett
• Rowan Human
• Tumelo Njoti
• Asanda Buthelezi
• Ujaun McDonald
• Kamvelethu Cele
• Thobeka Zondi

Forwards

• Daylon Claasen
• Leletu Skelem
• Brandon Theron
• Amadou Soukouna
• Richard Zumah
• Samkelo Dlamuka
• Tawanda Macheke

Who is Maritzburg United's coach?

German international Ernst Middendorp is currently Maritzburg's head coach. The experienced tactician was appointed in November 2020 and has helped the team avoid relegation. His performance has been under scrutiny by the top management following an unconvincing outcome by the team. So how long will he hold onto the position?

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Maritzburg United's new kit 2021/22

In August 2021, the DStv Premiership outfit unveiled their new, beautifully-designed 2021/22 kits with a lotto brand. The team's home jersey has the traditional blue colour and some white flourishes.

The away kit has a graffiti-like design with bright orange, red and black colours, while the third kit has green brushstrokes overlaying grey colour.

Maritzburg United's owner

Farook Kadodia is the chairman and owner of the South African side. He is also among the wealthiest football club owners in the country. Kadodia had an estimated net worth of $4.7 million as of July 2020.

Is Maritzburg United up for sale?

United's financial woes worried most fans, with others believing the club would be up for sale to avoid further embarrassment. The team made a loss of about R9 million in the 2020-21 season. Kadodia refuted such claims, maintaining their commitment to fixing the crisis.

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Maritzburg United FC's world ranking

According to Football Database, the Team of Choice ranks 1518 globally. In Africa, the club is placed 238 and 20th in South Africa.

United's financial crisis may have deepened in the past few years, but fans will be hoping Maritzburg United's players put aside the woes and perform better on the pitch. Will Maritzburg United's management help the club overcome the challenges?

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