Polokwane, ‘Downs set for bottom-v-top clash

by Graeme Jackson

Wednesday Sep 02, 2020. 10:00

Polokwane City and Mamelodi Sundowns will meet for a bottom-v-top Absa Premiership clash at the Loftus Versfeld Stadium on Wednesday 2 September 2020, kick-off at 18h00.

Polokwane have gone five matches without a win and remained in last place on the log when they could only draw 0-0 away to Bloemfontein Celtic on August 30. Rise and Shine have claimed 17 points from 14 home matches so far this season.

Sundowns suffered their fifth defeat of the season and missed out on the chance to take charge of the title race when they were beaten 1-0 at home by Baroka on August 30. The Brazilians have claimed 23 points from 14 away matches in the 2019/20 campaign.

In head-to-head stats, Polokwane and Sundowns have met in 13 league matches since 2013/14. The Brazilians have claimed seven wins compared to three for Rise and Shine, while three games have been drawn. The Limpopo side has recorded two wins from their six matches as hosts in the rivalry, suffering four defeats in the process.

When the teams met earlier this season, at Loftus Versfeld in December 2019, Sundowns claimed a 1-0 home win thanks to a late goal from Sibusiso Vilakazi.

Polokwane’s line-up from their 0-0 draw with Celtic on August 30: Chigova, Nkili, Chembezi (Phiri 46’), Motloung, Buthelezi, Mvelase, Manaka, Nene (Semenya 89’), Mahlasela (Tlolane 65’), Hlubi (J. Maluleke 65’), Mashumba (Anas 89’).

Sundowns’ line-up from their 1-0 loss to Baroka on August 30: Mweene, Ngcongca (Makgalwa 71’), Madisha, Lebusa, Lakay, Jali (Vilakazi 53’ [Maboe 63’]), Kekana, Mkhulise (Mahlambi 71’), Sirino, Zwane, Meza (Mkhuma 54’).