STARS EYE POLOKWANE SCALP
Free State Stars will lock horns with Polokwane City in an Absa Premiership match at the Goble Park Stadium on Saturday.
Kick-off is 6:00 pm.
Ea Lla Koto are wounded having succumbing to a 5-0 defeat to Cape Town City in their previous league encounter, before facing National First Division (NFD) outfit Richards Bay.
Stars, who were the defending champions, suffered a surprise defeat to Richards Bay in the Nedbank Cup round of 32 match last weekend.
Their struggles in the Absa Premiership sees them placed 14th on the league standings – a point above the relegation play-off.
Meanwhile, Polokwane extended their unbeaten run to five matches in the league when they drew 3-3 with Bidvest Wits ahead of their Nedbank Cup clash with NFD side Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila.
Rise and Shine were also stunned by a lower division side as Tshakhuma secured a surprise win in the round of 32 encounter last week.
Their good form in the Absa Premiership sees them placed sixth on the league standings – three points behind fourth-placed Cape Town City.
Previous starting line-ups
Free State Stars: Sangare, Mahamutsa, Phungwayo, Mbhele, Dlamini, Makhaula, Jantjie, Jappie, Mobbie, Mokhuoane, Tchilimbou.
Polokwane City: Phali, Nkili, Mbonani, Mvalese, Ravhuhali, Seabi, Phiri, Sikhondze, Wagaba, Booi, Anas.
What are the teams saying
Free State Stars winger Sinethemba Jantjie
“I am focusing on helping the team to be in a better position and avoid relegation,” he said.
“We can do better. We are playing very well, but we just miss chances.”
Polokwane City coach Jozef Vukusic
“We are satisfied with the results that we have had in the past because the South African league is very strong. A few teams have a chance to win it,” he said.
“We are rightfully disappointed with our Nedbank Cup exit after losing to Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila.”
Free State Stars key players
Relebogile Mokhuoane: The midfielder is slowly establishing himself as a key player for Stars this season. Mokhuoane will be looking to play an instrumental role in helping his side win at home.
Sinethemba Jantjie: The attacking midfielder is one of the most dangerous wingers having netted two goals this season. Jantjie has the ability to inspire Ea Lla Koto victory over Rise and Shine.
Polokwane City key players
Jabulani Maluleke: The attacking midfielder remains one of the most consistent players in the Absa Premiership having scored three times this season. Maluleke will be looking to add to his tally and help City win.
Charlton Mashumba: The Zimbabwean marksman is looking to impress at Rise and Shine after joining the club in January 2019. Mashumba will be keen to open his scoring account and fire City to victory.
