Leopards out to avoid third straight loss

by Graeme Jackson

Friday Feb 22, 2019. 06:31

Black Leopards will look to avoid a third successive Absa Premiership defeat when they host Highlands Park at Thohoyandou Stadium on 24 February 2019, kick-off at 15h30.

Leopards slipped to a second straight loss when they were beaten 3-0 at Mamelodi Sundowns on February 6. That result followed a 3-0 loss at Bloemfontein Celtic three days prior.

Lidoda Duvha have claimed 14 points from nine home matches this season, with their last result as hosts a 1-1 draw with Golden Arrows on January 19.

Highlands broke a five-game winless streak in the league with a 2-1 victory over top-of-the-log Bidvest Wits at home on February 9, thanks to goals from Peter Shalulile and Mokete Mogaila.

The Lions of the North have claimed just nine points from 10 away matches this season, with their last result on the road a 2-1 loss at Golden Arrows in early February.

In head-to-head stats, Leopards and Highlands have met in just one previous top-flight match: that encounter took place earlier this season at Makhulong Stadium (in August 2018) and ended in a 2-2 draw.

Luckyboy Mokoena and Ricardo Williams netted for the Lions of the North, while Themba Ndlovu and Mwape Musonda were on target for Lidoda Duvha.

Leopards’ line-up from their 3-0 loss to Sundowns on February 6: K. Ndlovu, Katjiukua, Munganga, Masia, Zulu, Hlongwane, Bereng (Ngambi 28’), Mokoena, Mashoene (Mahangwahaya 59’), Kapinga, Musonda (Sekotlong 80’).

Highlands’ line-up from their 2-1 win over Wits on February 9: Heugh, Fransman, L. Mokoena, Mofokeng, Msimango, Rae (Haoseb 73’), Mbatha, Mahlangu, Shalulile, Mkhabela (Motlafi 46’), Mogaila (Nyembe 89’).