Polokwane look to continue unbeaten run

Jabu Maluleke of Polokwane City during 2018 Absa Premiership match between Bidvest Wits and Polokwane City at Bidvest Wits Stadium in Johannesburg ,South Africa on 21 September 2018 ©Aubrey Kgakatsi/BackpagePix

by BackPageTXT

Tuesday Apr 23, 2019. 10:07

Polokwane City will look to continue their unbeaten run in the Absa Premiership when they host Bloemfontein Celtic at the Old Peter Mokaba Stadium on 24 April 2019, kick-off at 19h30.

Polokwane have gone eight league games without a defeat, reaching the mark by holding SuperSport United 0-0 away from home on April 13. The Limpopo side last tasted defeat away to Maritzburg United in early February.

Rise and Shine have claimed 22 points from 13 home matches this season, with their last result as hosts a 3-1 win over provincial derby rivals Black Leopards in early April.

Celtic have gone six league games without a victory after they were beaten 2-1 at Maritzburg United on April 5. The Bloemfontein side’s last three-pointer came at home to Black Leopards in early February. Their home match against Cape Town City on April 14 was abandoned due to fan violence.

Phunya Sele Sele have claimed 16 points from 13 away matches this season, with their last win on the road coming at Chippa United in early January.

In head-to-head stats, Polokwane and Celtic have met in 11 league matches since 2013/14. The Bloemfontein team has claimed five wins compared to four for their Limpopo counterparts, while two matches have ended in draws. Rise and Shine have claimed two wins from five home matches in the rivalry, suffering three defeats in the process.

When the teams met earlier this season, at Dr Molemela Stadium in December 2018, Polokwane claimed a 2-1 away win thanks to goals from Salulani Phiri and Monde Mphambaniso. Rise and Shine have won their last two league matches against Phunya Sele Sele.

Polokwane’s line-up from their 0-0 draw with SuperSport on April 13: Chigova, Mbonani, Motloung, Nkili, Hlongwane, Phiri, J. Maluleke, Manaka, Mashumba (Tlolane 87’), Anas (Seabi 90’) Booi (Musona 77’).

Celtic’s line-up from their 2-1 loss to Maritzburg on April 5: Tignyemb, Lingwati, , Mashikinya, Dlamini (Letsoalo 82'), Masuku, De Jongh, Sam, Mahashe, Baloyi, Maema (Kobedi 72'), Mabena.