Promoted teams look to build on positive start

by Graeme Jackson

Monday Aug 06, 2018. 13:53

The Absa Premiership’s two promoted teams, Highlands Park and Black Leopards, will look to build on their positive starts when they meet at Makhulong Stadium on 9 August 2018, kick-off at 19h30 CAT.

Highlands secured a creditable 1-1 draw away to Orlando Pirates on August 4, benefiting from an unfortunate own goal from Gladwin Shitolo to pick up a valuable point on the road.

The Lions of the North picked up 10 wins, four draws and suffered just one defeat in their home matches in the National First Division last season, for a haul of 34 points as hosts.

Leopards’ return to the top flight opened with a 1-0 home win over regional derby rivals Polokwane City on August 4, with Karabo Tshepe netting the only goal of the game.

Lidoda Duvha’s away form in the National First Division last season saw them pick up five wins, four draws and six defeats for a haul of 19 points on the road.

In head-to-head stats, this will be the first top flight league match between Highlands and Leopards. The teams have been regular combatants in the National First Division in recent seasons, and the Lions of the North have put together a five-game winning streak in the rivalry.

Highland’s line-up from their 1-1 draw with Pirates on August 4: Kapini, Mokoena, Fransman, Motsepe, Ramoraka, Mahlangu, Rae (Msimango 76’), Haoseb, Motlafi, Mbatha (Versuur 73’), Nyembe (Ngebo 86’).

Leopards’ line-up from their 1-0 win over Polokwane on August 4: Muleka, Ndou, Mashoena, Munganga, Ndlovu (Mokoena 89'), Nange, Mudau, Nene, Musonda, Tshepe (Hlongwane 87'), Mhlongo (Mahangwahaya 77').