Stars look to build winning momentum

by Graeme Jackson

Friday Mar 01, 2019. 08:00

Free State Stars will look to build winning momentum in the Absa Premiership when they host Black Leopards at Goble Park on 2 March 2019, kick-off at 18h00.

Stars claimed their fifth win of the season when they defeated derby rivals Bloemfontein Celtic 3-2, featuring a brace of goals from winger Sinethemba Jantjie.

Ea Lla Koto have claimed 11 points from 10 home matches this season, with their last result as hosts a 2-0 loss at the hands of Chippa United on February 9.

Leopards have gone four league matches without a win after they were held 0-0 at home by Highlands Park on February 24. The Limpopo side has not won since mid-January.

Lidoda Duvha have claimed just six points from 10 away matches this season, with their last result on the road a 3-0 loss at Mamelodi Sundowns on February 6.

In head-to-head stats, Leopards and Stars have met in 11 top-flight league matches since 2001/02. Ea Lla Koto have claimed seven wins compared to just one for Lidoda Duvha, while three games have been drawn. The Free State side has won three of their five home matches against their Limpopo counterparts, suffering zero defeats in the process.

When the teams met earlier this season, at Thohoyandou Stadium in October 2018, they played out a 1-1 draw thanks to goals from Eden Nene and Cesaire Gandze.

Stars’ line-up from their 3-2 win over Celtic on February 24: Sangare, Mobbie, Jappie, Mahamutsa, Mathumo, Masehe Hlubi (Makhaula 63'), Mokhuoane (Khabane 83'), Jantjie, Tchilimbou, Rodgers (Masina 64').

Leopards’ line-up from their 0-0 draw with Highlands on February 24: K. Ndlovu, Munyai, Munganga, Ndou, Zulu, Mudau, Maselesa, Bereng (Nange 65’), Hlongwane, Kapinga (Mhlongo 70’), Musonda (Sekotlong 90’).