Maritzburg United have become the first PSL team to return to training, ahead of the 2013/14 campaign, as they start their pre-season preparations in Pietermaritzburg today (Tuesday).

The Team of Choice had a positive campaign in the Absa Premiership last season, finishing 11th in the league and earning their highest points total in the club’s history.

Following their relative success, head coach Ernst Middendorp has got his players at training earlier than any other PSL club, putting them on a six-week regime in order to prepare them for the new season.

However, with their pre-season due to start this afternoon, it remains to be seen whether players such as Cuthbert Malajila, who is on the verge of a move to Mamelodi Sundowns, will report to training with the rest of his teammates or wait until his move to Chloorkop has been finalised before beginning his own pre-season.

Meanwhile, new signings, Thokozani Sekotlong and Nhlanhla Vilakazi, are both expected to begin their Maritzburg United careers today.