Celtic, Stars meet in Free State derby

by Graeme Jackson

Friday Feb 22, 2019. 06:31

Bloemfontein Celtic and Free State Stars will meet for their provincial derby in the Absa Premiership, with the clash set for Dr Molemela Stadium on 24 February 2019, kick-off at 15h30.

Celtic played to a fifth draw of the season when they were held 2-2 at Baroka FC on February 10. The Bloemfontein team has won just two of their last 10 league outings.

Phunya Sele Sele have claimed 15 points from 10 home matches this season, with their last result as hosts a 3-0 win over Black Leopards in early February.

Stars suffered a second successive league defeat (and a sixth from their last seven matches) when they were beaten 2-0 at home by Chippa United on February 9. The Bethlehem-based side has won just one of their last nine Premiership outings.

Ea Lla Koto have claimed just five points from nine away matches this season, with their last result on the road a 5-0 loss at Cape Town City in mid-January.

In head-to-head stats, Celtic and Stars have met in 55 league matches since 1986. Ea Lla Koto have claimed 19 wins compared to 14 for Phunya Sele Sele, while 22 matches have been drawn. The Bloemfontein side have won nine of their 27 home matches against their provincial rivals, suffering six defeats in the process.

When the teams met earlier this season, at Goble Park in October 2018, Stars claimed a 2-0 win thanks to goals from Harris Tchilimbou and Sinethemba Jantjie.

Celtic’s line-up from their 2-2 draw with Baroka on February 10: Tignyemb, Mahashe, Pfumbizai, Rikhotso, Maema (Potsane 63'), Tani (Letsoalo 47'), Mabasa, Mashikinya, Dlamini (Shikweni 90'+3), Phalane, Baloyi.

Stars’ line-up from their 2-0 loss to Chippa on February 9: Sangare, Masehe, Mahamutsa, Mathumo, Mbhele, Mokhuoane (Masina 46'), Mobbie, Tchilimbou, Kizza, Dlamini (Makhaula 46'), Katsvairo (Jantjie 73').