United, Celtic set for Friday night battle

by Staff Reporter

Thursday Nov 07, 2019. 09:48

Maritzburg United and Bloemfontein Celtic will meet for a Friday night Absa Premiership battle at the Harry Gwala Stadium on 8 November 2019, kick-off at 20h00.

Maritzburg extended their unbeaten run to four league matches with a 0-0 draw away to Orlando Pirates on Tuesday, November 5. The Team of Choice has claimed seven points from four home matches so far this season.

Celtic broke a three-game winless streak in the league by defeating Highlands Park 3-1 at home on Tuesday, November 5, courtesy of goals from Sera Motebang, Ndumiso Mabena and Menzi Masuku. Phunya Sele Sele have taken just two points from four away matches this term.

In head-to-head stats, Maritzburg and Celtic have met in 26 league matches since 2005/06. United have claimed 10 wins compared to six for Phunya Sele Sele, while 10 games have been drawn. The KwaZulu-Natal side has recorded five wins, five draws and three defeats from their 13 home matches in the rivalry.

Maritzburg completed a league ‘double’ over Celtic last season, winning 1-0 in Bloemfontein in September 2018 and 2-1 in Pietermaritzburg in the return game in April 2019, thanks to a brace of goals from Allan Kateregga. The Team of Choice has won five of their last seven league games against Celtic.

Maritzburg’s line-up from their 0-0 draw with Pirates on November 5: Ofori, Mngonyama, De Reuck (Sanoka 57′), Xulu, Allie, Morgan, Shandu, Claasen, Kunene, Kutumela (Timm 83′), Brockie (Moseamedi 69′).

Celtic’s line-up from their 3-1 win over Highlands on November 5: Mabokgwane, Mashikinya (Mangweni 78′), Ngobeni, Tania, Baloyi, Mahashe, Maema (61′), Tchilimbou (Mabena 61′), Motebang, Lingwati, Phalane.