Walters admits fortune was on United’s side in the 1-0 win over Black Aces, although as they say ‘fortune favours the brave’, or as Gary Player put it, “the harder you work, the luckier you get’.

Maritzburg had to fight with all they had to secure the three points over Aces, a big, big win as far as putting some space between them and the relegation zone is concerned.

And following SuperSport United’s loss to Pirates on Saturday, the Team of Choice moved up a further position to 13 th, above the Pretoria champions on goal difference.

Pretoria will be the scene for Maritzburg’s next game – an Absa Premiership clash with Mamelodi Sundowns.

Walters admits that at one point he felt United were in danger of losing to Aces.

“It was a tough game, and in the end a huge result for us. I thought it might be one of those days, where we create all the chances, only for them to score a lucky goal on the break.

“But in the end we got the goal, it looks like luck is on our side again, after it eluded us a lot earlier in the season.

“It was fantastic however to make it two wins in a row, and to keep another clean sheet. Now we need to push on from here and get some momentum going.

“There’s less pressure on us now at training and we are looking forward to the next game,” said the former Celtic and Vasco shot stopper.

He says that the arrival of Gert Schalkwyk and Fanyana Mokoena has given the team an additional lift.

“It was a boost for us to get in two quality players. Gert’s obviously in good shape which enabled him to start the game against Aces.

“We all know he’s a quality player, he was in the provisional Bafana Bafana squad recently and his composure in front of goal will be important in the games ahead.”

Sundowns may have lost two games in a row, but the United number one is not under any illusions about the size of the task that awaits the team on Saturday evening at the HM Pitje Stadium.

“It’s a catch 22 situation. Sundowns have now lost twice in a row, which gives other teams reason for optimism, especially after Downs seemed to be walking away with the title towards the end of last year.

“But a wounded animal is always a dangerous one and they will be looking to bounce back. They will be under pressure however and perhaps we can use this to our advantage, also knowing that we beat them in the Telkom Knockout.”

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Column appears courtesy of swnews.co.za

* Please note that the views expressed above are independent to the Maritzburg United Football Club and by no means reflect the views of the club or its stakeholders.