Celtic face Wits challenge

by Graeme Jackson

Friday Mar 15, 2019. 07:03

Bloemfontein Celtic will face the challenge of hosting Bidvest Wits for an Absa Premiership clash at the Dr Molemela Stadium on 15 March 2019, kick-off at 20h00.

Celtic have gone four league matches without a win after playing to a 1-1 draw away to Orlando Pirates on March 5. This will be the third consecutive match in which they face a title contender, having held Mamelodi Sundowns 0-0 prior to their game against the Buccaneers.

Phunya Sele Sele have claimed 15 points from 11 home matches this season, with their last result as hosts a 3-2 loss against derby rivals Free State Stars.

Wits have gone four league matches without a win and suffered a second straight loss when they were beaten 2-0 at AmaZulu on March 9. The Johannesburg side has taken just one point from the last 12 up for grabs.

The Clever Boys have claimed 21 points from 11 away matches this season, though they have not won on the road since beating Free State Stars in early January.

In head-to-head stats, Celtic and Wits have met in 58 league matches since 1985. The Clever Boys have claimed 24 wins compared to 19 for Phunya Sele Sele, while 15 matches have been drawn. The Bloemfontein side has claimed 13 wins from 28 home matches in the rivalry, suffering eight defeats in the process.

When the teams met earlier this season, at Bidvest Stadium in November 2018, Celtic claimed a 2-1 away win thanks to a brace from Tshegofatso Mabaso. The last four league meetings of these teams have produced just three goals and zero home victories.

Celtic’s line-up from their 1-1 draw with Pirates on March 5: Tignyemb, Sam, Mahashe, Rikhotso, Mabena (Pfumbidzai 74’), Tani, Maema, Mashikinya, Masuku (Letsoalo 61’), Phalane (Kobedi 86’), Baloyi.

Wits’ line-up from their 2-0 loss to AmaZulu: Keet, Hlatshwayo, Johannes, Hlanti, Hotto (Pelembe 65'), Mzwakali (Dzvukamanja 79'), Monare, Alexander, Claasen (Majoro 55'), Lakay, Motupa.