In this edition of Supporters Forum, KickOff speaks to Maritzburg United fanatical supporter Paul Lutchman on his long-standing love affair with The Team of Choice dating back to the late 90s.
Name Of Supporter...
"Paul Lutchman. I'm from Pietermaritzburg, where I also work at the Department of Correctional Services. I'm a correctional official. I've worked there for about 25 years."
Club supported...
"I have never supported any other club in my life. I've been following Maritzburg United ever since I was a little boy. If you remember the days of federations, remember the anti-apartheid league that we used to run? We had the team Maritzburg City playing from the early 70s. So I've been supporting soccer in Maritzburg from the early 70s."
How long supported?
"Look, Maritzburg United now that they are in the PSL you are looking at 12, 13, 14 years. Maritzburg is an old club, but because they were not in the NPSL and all those leagues, people don't know about them. So, I've been supporting them since they were established."
Are you happy with the bosses?
"From what the club has delivered we cannot ask for more than that. I'm quite satisfied with the bosses of the club. They've invested a lot of money in the club. The chairman Farook Kadodia is not more passionate than anything else than this club."
Are you happy with the coach?
"We've known Fadlu Davids from the days of being in Mvela League. He understands the culture of the club. We can't ask for more. I'm personally more than satisfied with him. With the experience he got from working under the likes of Ernst Middendorp at Orlando Pirates, you can't ask for more."
Are you happy with the players?
"To be honest we would like to have those marquee signings, but if the club cannot afford them then the players that have been brought are good enough to play the game. Yes, they lack a bit of experience but they give everything on the field. Lack of concentration now and again it's what has been costing them games."
Who do you want them to sign?
"Players like Fortune Makaringe and Kutumela, players that right now you find sitting on the bench at other clubs. Personally, I would like to see those players come back. But the question is can the club afford to bring them back? Are they prepared to play for the salaries that Maritzburg United are paying? They know the culture of Maritzburg United and they know what's required on the field."
Your message to the team?
"My message to the Maritzburg family is despite wins, defeats or draws, no matter where you are, we are always going to be there to support you. Use the energy of the crowd to give yourself that extra bit on the field. That's all. Never doubt the support of the people of Maritzburg."
