Maritzburg out to silence Celtic

Maritzburg United will battle with Bloemfontein Celtic in an Absa Premiership match at the Harry Gwala Stadium on Friday.

Kick-off is at 8:00 pm CAT.

The Team of Choice saw their three-match winning run in the league come to an end when they drew 0-0 with Orlando Pirates in midweek.

They are currently placed 10th on the league standings - three points behind third-place Bidvest Wits, who will be in action against SupetrSport United on Friday.

Maritzburg will be without the injured Phumlani Ntshangase and Kwanda Mngonyama, who was red-carded against Pirates, but striker Judas Moseamedi is confident ahead of their clash with Celtic.

“We’re ready, we have a lot of quality players here. We have Kwanda suspended," Moseamedi said.

"But we still have quality players that can come in for the Celtic game and do the job and help us to collect three points.”

Meanwhile, Celtic are undefeated in their last two league matches after securing a 3-1 victory over Highlands Park in midweek.

Phunya Sele Sele are currently placed ninth on the league standings having accumulated the same number of points as Maritzburg.

Lehlohonolo Seema, the Celtic head coach, has lauded Maritzburg as he looks to mastermind their downfall.

"We are probably facing one of the most in-form teams in the league at the moment. They have been doing better than us when it comes to collecting points," Seema said.

"However, we have planned well for this match. We are hoping to secure a positive result as we approach the Festive break."

Maritzburg United: PLAYERS TO WATCH

Richard Ofori: The Ghanaian goalkeeper continues to impress having kept his fourth successive clean sheet in the league against Pirates. Ofori will be keen to maintain his great form against Celtic.

Jeremy Brockie: The New Zealand international is yet to find the back of the net for Maritzburg this season. Brockie will be eager to break his goal drought and help his side overcome Siwelele.

Bloemfontein Celtic: PLAYERS TO WATCH

Menzi Masuku: The playmaker caught the eye as he grabbed an assist and a goal against Highlands Park. Masuku will be hoping to inspire Siwelele to a victory in Pietermaritzburg.

Ndumiso Mabena: The experienced marksman was also on the scoresheet in the win over Highlands Park. Mabena will be looking to lead the Free State giants to a victory over the Team of Choice.