Celtic, Chippa look for winning start

by Graeme Jackson

Friday Aug 03, 2018. 12:04

Bloemfontein Celtic and Chippa United will both look for a winning start to the new Absa Premiership season when they meet at Dr Molemela Stadium on Sunday, 5 August 2018, kick-off at 15h00.

Celtic came home in 11th place on last season’s league table, claiming 37 points from their 30 matches. They have appointed a new coach in Steve Komphela, who will be looking to put his difficult spell at Kaizer Chiefs behind him and take the Bloemfontein side to a new level.

Phunya Sele Sele’s home form saw them pick up 24 points from 15 matches, as they recorded six wins, six draws and three defeats as hosts through the 2017/18 season.

Celtic’s work in the transfer market has included the signing of Ryan De Jongh, while players such as Mpho Maruping, Atusaye Nyondo and Deon Hotto have left the club.

Chippa finished last season’s Absa Premiership in 10th place, though they were just a point shy of the top half after claiming 37 points from 30 matches. Dan Malesela has been restored to the head coaching position and will be aiming for a strong campaign.

The Chilli Boys’ away form saw them pick up 17 points from 15 matches, as they recorded three wins, eight draws and four defeats as visitors through the 2017/18 season.

Chippa’s work in the transfer market has included the signings of Thabo Matlaba, Bernard Morrison, Jabulani Shongwe and Daine Klate, while they have lost players such as Paseka Mako, Buyani Sali, Abel Mabaso and Linda Mntambo.

In head-to-head stats, Chippa and Celtic have met in 10 league matches since 2012/13. Phunya Sele Sele have claimed four wins compared to three for the Chilli Boys, while three matches have been drawn. The Bloemfontein side has won three of their five home matches in the rivalry and suffered one defeat in the process.

Last season the teams cancelled each other out, playing to goalless draws in both Port Elizabeth and Bloemfontein. In fact, three of the last four matches between Phunya Sele Sele and the Chilli Boys have ended 0-0.