Polokwane, Highlands set for December battle

Vusimuzi Mngomezulu of Polokwane City challenged by Michael Morton of AmaZulu during the Absa Premiership 2018/19 match between AmaZulu and Polokwane City at King Zwelithini Stadium, Durban on 11 November 2018 ©Samuel Shivambu/BackpagePix

by Graeme Jackson

Monday Dec 10, 2018. 10:28

Polokwane City and Highlands Park will both be looking to build momentum in the Absa Premiership when they meet at Old Peter Mokaba Stadium on 11 December 2018, kick-off at 19h30.

Polokwane snapped a three-match winless streak in the league by defeating high-flying Bloemfontein Celtic 2-1 away from home on December 2. It was a third win on the road this season for the Limpopo side.

Rise and Shine have claimed 10 points from seven home matches this season, with their last result as hosts a 2-1 loss to Cape Town City in late November.

Highlands ended a three-game winless streak in the league with a 2-0 home victory over Cape Town City on December 1, thanks to goals from Peter Shalulile and Tendai Ndoro.

The Lions of the North have yet to win on the road this season, taking just four points from six matches. Their last result on the road was a 2-2 draw at Maritzburg United in early November.

In head-to-head stats, Polokwane and Highlands have met in just two previous top flight matches. Both encounters took place in the 2016/17 season, with Rise and Shine winning 3-2 at home in the first half of the campaign, while the return game ended in a 1-1 draw.

Polokwane’s line-up from their 2-1 win over Celtic on December 2: Ndlovu, Nkili, Hlongwane (Ravhuhali 33'), Mbonani, Manaka, Phiri, Seabi, Mvelase, Tlolane (Sikhosana 59'), Mngomezulu (Mpambaniso 78'), Anas.

Highlands’ line-up from their 2-0 win over CT City on December 1: Heugh, Mokoena (Ndoro 75'), Fransman, Mvala, Msimango, Haoseb, Ramoraka, Motsepe, Mbatha (Mahlangu 90+5'), Shalulile, Sekola (Sibande 90+1').