Polokwane look for strong start to 2019

by Staff Reporter

Friday Jan 04, 2019. 10:12

Polokwane City will look for a strong start to the New Year in the Absa Premiership when they host AmaZulu at the Old Peter Mokaba Stadium on 5 January 2019, kick-off at 15h30.

Polokwane finished off their work for 2018 with a 2-2 draw away to Chippa United in December 14. It was a second successive draw for the Limopopo side, who claimed 23 points from 15 matches in the first half of the season.

Rise and Shine have picked up 11 points from eight home matches this season, with their last result as hosts a 2-2 draw with Highlands Park on December 11.

AmaZulu claimed a fourth win in the space of five league matches when they defeated local rivals Golden Arrows 2-0 at home on December 22 – Bonginkosi Ntuli scored both goals for the Durban team.

Usuthu have claimed just six points from seven away matches this season, with their last result on the road a 3-1 loss at Black Leopards in mid-December.

In head-to-head stats, Polokwane and AmaZulu have met in seven league matches since 2013/14. Usuthu have claimed two wins compared to one for Rise and Shine, while four matches have been drawn. The Limpopo side has recorded three draws from as many home matches in the rivalry.

When the teams met earlier this season in Durban they played to a goalless stalemate. It was a second successive 0-0 draw between the teams, following the first five matches in their rivalry which produced 14 goals.

Polokwane’s line-up from their 2-2 draw with Chippa on December 14: Ndlovu, Manaka, Nkili, Mbonani, Ravhuhali, Ramagalela (Mngomezulu 83'), W.Maluleke, Phiri, Wagaba (Booi 68'), Mphambaniso (Sikhondze 67'), Anas.

AmaZulu’s line-up from their 2-0 win over Arrows on December 22: Mbatha, Gumede, P.Gumede, Mabiliso, Nyongo (Konqobe 84'), Ncube, Morton, Vilakazi, Sithebe, Tade (Karuru 22'), Ntuli.