Highlands out to break dry spell

by Graeme Jackson

Friday Feb 08, 2019. 08:20

Highlands Park will be looking to break a dry spell of results in the Absa Premiership when they host Bidvest Wits at Makhulong Stadium on 9 February 2019, kick-off at 15h30.

Highlands suffered a second successive defeat – and saw their winless run in the league extended to five matches – when they were beaten 2-1 at Golden Arrows on February 2.

The Lions of the North have claimed 13 points from nine home matches this season, with their last result as hosts a 2-1 loss to Mamelodi Sundowns on January 22.

Wits returned to winning form (after picking up just one point from two matches) when they defeated Maritzburg United 1-0 at home on February 1, with Lehlohonolo Majoro netting the only goal of the match.

The Clever Boys have claimed 21 points from nine away matches this season, with their last result on the road a thrilling 3-3 draw at Polokwane City on January 20.

In head-to-head stats, Highlands and Wits have met in three top-flight league matches since 2016/17. The Clever Boys boast an unbeaten record, with two wins and one draw. The Lions of the North lost their only home game in the rivalry thus far, going down 2-0 in the second half of the 16/17 campaign.

When the teams met earlier this season, at Bidvest Stadium in late October 2018, Wits won 1-0 thanks to a first-half goal from defender and captain Thulani Hlatshwayo.

Highlands’ line-up from their 2-1 loss to Arrows on February 2: Kapini, Mkhabela (Ndoro 75’), Ramoraka, L. Mokoena, Msimango, Rae, Mbatha, Mahlangu, Zwane (Mogaila 46’), Sekola (Shalulile 46’), Mvala.

Wits’ line-up from their 1-0 win over Maritzburg on February 1: Keet, Hlatshwayo, Nonyane, Mkhwanazi, Hlanti, Alexander, Monare, Dzvukamanja (Claasen 78'), Hotto, Mhango (Pelembe 46'), Murray (Majoro 64').