Maritzburg desperate to end losing streak

by Graeme Jackson

Friday Feb 08, 2019. 08:06

Maritzburg United will be desperate to end their losing streak in the Absa Premiership when they host Polokwane City at Harry Gwala Stadium on 8 February 2019, kick-off at 20h00.

Maritzburg suffered a seventh straight loss – and saw their winless run extend to 14 matches – when they went down 1-0 away to Bidvest Wits on February 1. The KwaZulu-Natal club has not won a game since September.

The Team of Choice has yet to win at home this season, with just six points claimed from nine matches. Their last result as hosts was a 2-1 loss to Free State Stars in early January.

Polokwane extended their unbeaten run in the league to five matches with a 3-3 draw at home to Bidvest Wits on January 20, while their last scheduled match (away to Free State Stars on February 2) was postponed. The Limpopo side has taken nine points from the last 15 available.

Rise and Shine have claimed 12 points from seven away matches this season, with their last result on the road a 2-2 draw at Chippa United in mid-December.

In head-to-head stats, Polokwane and Maritzburg have met in 11 league matches since 2013/14. Rise and Shine have claimed five wins compared to three for the Team of Choice, while three matches have been drawn. The KwaZulu-Natal club has recorded three wins and two defeats in their five home matches in the rivalry.

When the teams met earlier this season, at the old Peter Mokaba Stadium in late October 2018, Polokwane claimed a 1-0 home win thanks to a goal from Edgar Manaka. The result kept up the Limpopo side’s unbeaten home record against United.

Maritzburg’s line-up from their 1-0 loss to Wits on February 1: Ofori, Kunene, Xulu, De Reuck, Onyango, Matsi (Timm 76'), Makaringe (Fileccia 83'), Mokate, Ndlovu, Figareido (Sanoka 62'), Zakri.

Polokwane’s line-up from their 3-3 draw with Wits on January 20: Chigova, Kalake, Mbonani, Nkili, Hlongwane (Tlolane 77’), Phiri, Seabi, Booi (Mashumba 63’), J. Maluleke, Musona, Anas (Mpambaniso 90’).