Polokwane look to derail Wits’ title bid

by Graeme Jackson

Friday Jan 18, 2019. 10:07

Polokwane City will look to derail Bidvest Wits’ bid for the Absa Premiership title when the teams meet at the Old Peter Mokaba Stadium on 20 January 2019, kick-off at 15h30.

Polokwane are unbeaten in their last four league matches and claimed a 3-2 home win over AmaZulu on January 5, with goals from Bongile Booi and Walter Musona (two).

Rise and Shine have taken 14 points from nine home matches this season, though they have suffered defeats as hosts to Mamelodi Sundowns, Orlando Pirates and Cape Town City.

Wits suffered a fourth defeat of the season when they were beaten 2-0 at home by Kaizer Chiefs on January 9. The Johannesburg side also finished the game with 10 men following late red card for defender Robyn Johannes.

The Clever Boys have claimed 20 points from eight away matches this season, with their last result on the road a 2-1 win at Free State Stars earlier this month.

In head-to-head stats, Polokwane and Wits have met in 11 league matches since 2013/14. The Clever Boys have claimed four wins compared to two for Rise and Shine, while five matches have been drawn. The Limpopo side has yet to claim a home win in the rivalry, recording three draws and two losses as hosts.

When the teams met earlier this season, at Bidvest Stadium in September 2018, Polokwane won 1-0 thanks to a goal from Jabulani Maluleke – despite playing most of the game with 10 men following an early dismissal. The result broke a seven-game unbeaten run in the rivalry for Wits.

Polokwane’s line-up from their 3-2 win over AmaZulu on January 5: Chigova, Hlongwane, Kalake, Mbonani, Nkili, J.Maluleke (W.Maluleke 74'), Phiri, Seabi, Musona (Mpambaniso 67'), Ramagalela, Booi (Sikhosana 84').

Wits’ line-up from their 2-0 loss to Chiefs on January 9: Keet, Hlatshwayo, Mkhwanazi, Johannes, Hlanti, Pelembe, Monare, Alexander, Hotto (Motupa 74’), Dzvukamanja (Mere 64’), Machupu (Majoro 46’).