Arrows desperate to break winless drought

Thabani Zuke and Zolani Nkombelo of Golden Arrows

Tuesday Sep 01, 2020. 14:00

Golden Arrows will be desperate to break their winless drought in the Absa Premiership when they host Bloemfontein Celtic at Ellis Park Stadium on Wednesday 2 September 2020, kick-off at 18h00.

Arrows suffered a third straight loss – and extended their winless run in the league to seven matches – when they were beaten 4-1 at home by Cape Town City on August 29. Abafana Bes’thende have claimed 22 points from 14 home matches so far this season.

Celtic extended their unbeaten run to five matches after they were held 0-0 at home by relegation-threatened Polokwane City on August 30. Phunya Sele Sele have claimed 11 points from 14 away matches in the 2019/20 campaign.

In head-to-head stats, Celtic and Arrows have met in 31 league matches since 2000/01. Phunya Sele Sele have claimed 14 wins compared to four for Abafana Bes’thende, while 13 matches have been drawn. The Durban side has recorded three wins, six draws and six defeats from their 15 home matches in the rivalry.

When the teams met earlier this season, at Dr Molemela Stadium in August 2019, Celtic claimed an emphatic 5-0 home win thanks to goals from Ndumiso Mabena, Menzi Masuku, Harris Tchilimbou, Mzwanele Mahashe and Andile Fikizolo.

Arrows’ line-up from their 4-1 loss to CTC on August 29: Mlungwana, S. Dube (Conco 46’), Ndlovu, Mathiane, Lunga (Sibiya 46’), Makhubela, L. Dube, Shitolo, Parusnath, Mutizwa (Lamola 89’), Gumede (Mtshali 45+2’).

Celtic’s line-up from their 0-0 draw with Polokwane on August 30: Chaine, Ngobeni, Mahashe, Chabalala (De Jongh 85’), Letlabika, Baloyi, Mashikinya (Maema 62’ [Tchilimbou 86’]), Fikizolo, Mabena, Motebang (Letsoalo 46’), Luthuli.