Maritzburg seek home victory

by Staff Reporter

Friday Apr 05, 2019. 13:55

Maritzburg United will seek a home victory over Bloemfontein Celtic in an Absa Premiership clash at Harry Gwala Stadium on 5 April 2019, kick-off at 20h00.

Maritzburg have not been in action since March 12, when they suffered their 13th defeat of the season by going down 2-1 at home to Mamelodi Sundowns.

The Team of Choice has claimed 12 points from as many home matches this season, picking up two wins, six draws and four defeats.

Celtic saw their winless run in the league extended to five matches when they were beaten 4-2 at home by Bidvest Wits on March 15. The Bloemfontein side has won just once in their last eight league outings.

Phunya Sele Sele have claimed 16 points from 12 away matches this season, with their last result on the road a 1-1 draw at Orlando Pirates in early March.

In head-to-head stats, Maritzburg and Celtic have met in 25 league matches since 2005/06. United have claimed nine wins compared to six for Phunya Sele Sele, while 10 games have been drawn. The KwaZulu-Natal side has recorded four wins, five draws and three defeats from their 12 home matches in the rivalry.

When the teams met earlier this season, at Dr Molemela Stadium in September 2018, United claimed a 1-0 away win thanks to a goal from Bandile Shandu. The Team of Choice has won four of their last six league games against Celtic.

Maritzburg’s line-up from their 2-1 loss to Sundowns on March 12: Ofori, Sanoka, De Reuck (Zakri 26’), Allie, Kunene, Shandu, Matsi (Mekoa 56’), Xulu, Kutumela (Moseamedi 69’), Kateregga, Makaringe.

Celtic’s line-up from their 4-2 loss to Wits on March 15: Tignyemb, Mahashe, Pfumbidzai, Rikhotso, Mabasa, Tani, Maema (Letsoalo 79'), Mashikinya (Mabena 77'), Dlamini, Potsane (Shikweni 66'), Baloyi.