Polokwane desperate to end losing streak

by Graeme Jackson

Friday Aug 21, 2020. 12:00

Polokwane City will be desperate to end their losing streak in the Absa Premiership when they host Highlands Park at Loftus Versfeld Stadium on Saturday 22 August 2020, kick-off at 15h30.

City suffered a third successive league defeat when they were beaten 2-0 at SuperSport United on August 19, a result which dropped them to the bottom of the log. Rise and Shine have claimed 16 points from 13 home matches so far this season.

Highlands saw their winless run in the league extended to five matches when they were held 0-0 at Chippa United on August 18. The Lions of the North have claimed just 10 points from away matches in the 2019/20 campaign.

In head-to-head stats, Highlands and Polokwane have met in five top flight matches since 2016/17. Rise and Shine have claimed two wins compared to one for the Lions of the North, while two games have been drawn. The Limpopo side has recorded one win and one draw from two matches as hosts.

When the teams met earlier this season, at Makhulong Stadium in September 2019, Highlands claimed a 2-0 win (their first in the rivalry) thanks to goals from Mothobi Mvala and Peter Shalulile.

Polokwane’s line-up from their 2-0 loss to SuperSport on August 19: Chigova, Mvelase, Chembezi, Nkili, Hlongwane, Nku (Musona 62’), Phiri, Chauke, Mngomezulu (Mahlasela 46’), Maluleke, Anas (Mashumba 46’).

Highlands’ line-up from their 0-0 draw with Chippa on August 18: Kapini, Mokoena (Nyembe 61′), Rae (Nyatama 82′), Fransman, Ramoraka, Mzava, Mogaila, Letsholonyane (Mbunjana 61′), Munyai, Mvala, Shalulile.