Arrows, Celtic look to build momentum

by Graeme Jackson

Monday Aug 06, 2018. 13:37

Golden Arrows and Bloemfontein Celtic will both look to build on the momentum of opening round wins in the Absa Premiership when they meet at Princess Magogo Stadium on 8 August 2018, kick-off at 19h30.

Arrows got their season off to a great start, as goals from Knox Mutizwa and Lerato Lamola saw then win 2-0 away to KwaZulu-Natal rivals Golden Arrows on August 5.

Abafana Bes’thende’s home form last season saw them pick up five wins, seven draws and three defeats for a haul of 22 points as hosts through 2017/18.

Celtic also began their campaign on a positive note, defeating Chippa United 2-0 at home on August 5 thanks to goals from Tebogo Potsane and Tshegofatso Mabaso.

Phunya Sele Sele’s away form last season saw them pick up just two wins, seven draws and six defeats for a haul of 13 points as visitors through 2017/18.

In head-to-head stats, Celtic and Arrows have met in 28 league matches since 2000/01. Phunya Sele Sele have claimed 12 wins compared to four for Abafana Bes’thende, while 12 matches have been drawn. The Durban side has recorded three wins, six draws and five defeats from their 14 home matches in the rivalry.

Last season Celtic took four points off Arrows, playing out a 1-1 draw in KwaZulu-Natal before claiming a 2-1 home win in the return game in the Free State. The victory for Phunya Sele Sele broke a six-game winless streak against Abafana Bes’thende.

Arrows’ line-up from their 2-0 win over Maritzburg on August 5: Gumede, Zwane (S. Dube 73’), Mngwengwe, Mzava, Lunga, Phiri, Molefe (Cele 61’), Venter, Mutizwa, Sabelo (Magubane 61’), Lamola

Celtic’s line-up from their 2-0 win over Chippa on August 5: Tignyemb, Rikhotso (Sam 73’), Ndengane, Gordino, Pfumbidzai, Potsane (Masuku 68’), Phalane, Mashikinya, Dlamini, Mabena, Mabaso (Letsoalo 60’).