Celtic look to keep up brilliant form

by Graeme Jackson

Friday Sep 21, 2018. 12:34

Bloemfontein Celtic will look to keep up their brilliant form in the Absa Premiership when they host Maritzburg United at Dr Molemela Stadium on 23 September 2018, kick-off at 15h00.

Celtic have picked up 13 points from a possible 15 this term and recorded their fourth win by edging Black Leopards 1-0 on September 16, thanks to a goal from Tshegofatso Mabaso.

Phunya Sele Sele have a 100 percent record at home this term, beating Chippa United and Orlando Pirates in their two games as hosts.

Maritzburg played to a second successive goalless draw when they were held 0-0 at home by high-flying Bidvest Wits. The KwaZulu-Natal side found themselves at the bottom of the log, though they have played just four league matches this term.

The Team of Choice has played just one away game so far this campaign, a 2-1 loss away to Free State Stars in early August.

In head-to-head stats, Maritzburg and Celtic have met in 24 league matches since 2005/06. United have claimed eight wins compared to six for Phunya Sele Sele, while 10 games have been drawn. The KwaZulu-Natal side has recorded four wins, five draws and three defeats from their 12 home matches in the rivalry.

Last season Celtic claimed a 1-0 home win in the first half of the campaign, but Maritzburg secured revenge with a 4-0 triumph in the return game, thanks to goals from Pogiso Sanoka, Mohau Mokate, Andrea Fileccia and Evans Rusike.

Celtic’s line-up from their 1-0 win over Leopards on September 16: Tignyemb, Sam, Rikhotso, Ndengane, Mabena, Mashikinya, Masuku (Potsane 66'), Gordinho, Dlamini (Letsoalo 72'), Phalane, Mabaso (Pfumbidzai 54').

Maritzburg’s line-up from their 0-0 draw with Wits on September 15: Ofori, de Reuck (Mekoa 53’), Xulu, Onyango, Thlone, Makgalwa (Kunene 81’), Sanoka, Makaringe, Shandu, Zakri (Mokate 73’), Fileccia.