Maritzburg, Stars in relegation six-pointer

by Staff Reporter

Monday Jan 07, 2019. 14:13

Maritzburg United and Free State Stars will meet for an Absa Premiership relegation six-pointer at the Harry Gwala Stadium on 9 January 2019, kick-off at 19h30.

Maritzburg suffered a third successive loss – and extended their winless run in the league to 10 matches – when they were beaten 2-0 at KwaZulu-Natal rivals Golden Arrows on January 6.

The Team of Choice has claimed six points from eight winless home matches this season, with their last result as hosts a 1-0 loss to Baroka FC on December 22.

Stars suffered a fourth successive league defeat when they were beaten 2-1 at home by log leaders Bidvest Wits on January 5. The Free State side last won a match in early October.

Ea Lla Koto have claimed just two points from seven (winless) away matches this season, with their last result on the road a 3-1 loss at Mamelodi Sundowns in early November 2018.

In head-to-head stats, Stars and Maritzburg have met in 23 league matches since 2005/06. Ea Lla Koto have claimed nine wins compared to four for the Team of Choice, while 10 matches have been drawn. The KwaZulu-Natal side has claimed two wins from 11 home matches in the rivalry, suffering four defeats in the process.

When the teams met earlier this season, Stars claimed a 2-1 home in in Bethlehem thanks to goals from Harris Tchilimbou and Goodman Dlamini. Ea Lla Koto have won two of their last three league matches against the Team of Choice.

Maritzburg’s line-up from their 2-0 loss to Arrows on January 6: Ofori, Shandu (Masegela 82’), Onyango, Xulu, Thlone, Mekoa, Matsi, Ndlovu (Sanoka 63’), Kunene, Atouba, Fileccia (Makgalwa 63’).

Stars’ line-up from their 2-1 loss to Wits on January 5: Sangare, Mbhele, Tema, Mahamutsa, Phungwayo, Makhaula (Bhengu 79'), G.Dlamini (Hlubi 64'), Mokhuoane (Rodgers 79'), Jappie, Tchilimbou.