Maritzburg United prioritised signing some attacking players during the recently closed transfer window. In particular, the club was eager to bring in some strikers to fill the void left by Cuthbert Malajila, who departed for Mamelodi Sundowns.

Ghanaian striker Yakubu Mohammed was a major acquisition, as was the arrivals of the likes of attack-minded players, in Ashley Hartog and Nhlanhla Vilakazi.

Vilakazi signed a pre-contract with the Team of Choice back in January and began training with them when they began pre-season, however he picked up an injury in training and is expected to be ruled out until sometime later this month.

Read: Vilakazi Blow For Maritzburg

United have had a fair start to the new season, after picking up four points from a possible nine, however the team still appears to be finding their way when it comes to scoring goals regularly.

Ernst Middendorp’s charges drew 0-0 with University of Pretoria over the weekend, meaning the side have managed just a single goal in their opening three fixtures.

Nonetheless, a source at Maritzburg revealed that while Vilakazi’s absence is a blow, the team is hopeful of finding some other successful combinations.

The source said, “We had one or two clear cut chances (against Tuks) and then the rest were shots outside the box. Nhlanhla Vilakazi at the start of the season was going to play in the number 10 role, then he got an injury.

"Nhlanhla was fantastic in pre-season and it’s just about finding new combinations until he’s ready to go. I think Ashley Hartog will be fit soon as well. He will bring some added firepower upfront.”
 

By David Minchella
Follow David on Twitter: @DavidLaduma