Stars, Polokwane set for midweek showdown

Yusuf Jappie of Free State Stars challenged by Gustavo Paez of Kaizer Chiefs during the Absa Premiership 2018/19 match between Free State Stars and Kaizer Chief at Goble Park Stadium, Bethlehemon 18 September 2018 ©Samuel Shivambu/BackpagePix

by Graeme Jackson

Monday Mar 04, 2019. 12:44

Free State Stars and Polokwane City will have a midweek showdown in the Absa Premiership when they met at Goble Park on 6 March 2019, kick-off at 19h30.

Stars have picked up four points from their last two league outings, though they needed a late equaliser from Eleazar Rodgers to salvage a 2-2 draw at home to Black Leopards on March 2.

Ea Lla Koto have claimed just 12 points from 11 home matches this season, and they have failed to win as hosts since defeating Bloemfontein Celtic in early October 2018.

Polokwane have gone three league matches without defeat and racked up their eighth league win of the season when a brace from Mohammed Anas inspired a 3-1 victory away to Baroka FC on March 3.

Rise and Shine have claimed 16 points from 10 away matches this season. Their last loss on the road was at Maritzburg United on February 8.

In head-to-head stats, Polokwane and Stars have met in 11 league matches since 2013/14. Ea Lla Koto and Rise & Shine have both claimed four wins, while three games have ended in draws. The Free State side has won just one of its five home matches in the rivalry, suffering two defeats in the process.

When the teams met earlier this season, at the old Peter Mokaba Stadium in September 2018, Polokwane claimed a 1-0 win thanks to a goal from Bongile Booi.

Stars’ line-up from their 2-2 draw with Leopards on March 2: Sangare, Mobbie, Mathumo, Mahamutsa, Jappie (Kizza 69'), Hlubi (Mbhele 58'), Masehe (Makhaula 58'), Mokhoane, Tchilimbou, Jantjie, Rodgers.

Polokwane’s line-up from their 3-1 win over Baroka on March 3: Chigova, Mvelase, Motloung, Mbonani, Hlongwane, Seabi (Manaka 70’), Phiri, J. Maluleke (Sikhondze 69’), Booi, Musona (Mbampaniso 87’), Anas.