Celtic, Polokwane meet in rescheduled clash

by Graeme Jackson

Wednesday Mar 07, 2018. 12:44

Bloemfontein Celtic and Polokwane City will meet for a rescheduled Absa Premiership clash at the Dr Molemela Stadium on 7 March 2018, kick-off at 19h30.

This encounter was originally set to be played on February 18 but was postponed in the wake of the tragic passing of Polokwane player Mogau Tshehla.

Celtic come into the game having claimed a 1-0 home win over Ajax on March 4. The result broke a six-match winless run in the league for the Bloemfontein side.

Phunya Sele Sele have claimed 18 points from 10 home matches this season. They are unbeaten in their last five games as hosts.

Polokwane claimed a sixth successive draw in the league when they held Golden Arrows 2-2 on March 4. The Limpopo side needed a last-gasp equaliser from Puleng Tlolane to avoid a home defeat.

Rise and Shine have claimed 13 points from 10 away matches this season, with their last result on the road a 1-1 draw against regional rivals Baroka FC in late February.

In head-to-head stats, Polokwane and Celtic have met in nine league matches since 2013/14. The Bloemfontein team has claimed five wins compared to two for their Limpopo counterparts, while two matches have ended in draws. Phunya Sele Sele boast an unbeaten home record in the rivalry, with two wins and two draws from four games as hosts.

When the teams met earlier this season, a brace of goals from Ndumiso Mabena took Celtic to a 2-1 away win back in September last year. Phunya Sele Sele are unbeaten in their last four league matches against Rise and Shine.

Celtic’s line-up from their 1-0 win over Ajax on March 4: Tignyemb, Molekwane, Rikhotso, Gordinho, Pfumbidzai, Phalane, Baloyi, Masuku (Letsoalo 46’), Motshegwa (Dlamini 79’), Hotto, Mabena.

Polokwane’s line-up from their 2-2 draw with Arrows on March 4: Chigova, Semenya, Ravhuhali, Tshilo, Sikhosana, Seabi, Ramagalela, Manaka (Tlolane 66'), Ndou (Chungwa 70'), J. Maluleka, Miya (Musona 58').