Struggling Polokwane welcome Maritzburg

Polokwane City are set to face Maritzburg United in an Absa Premiership match at the Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane on Sunday.

Kick-off is at 3:30pm CAT (SA, GMT+2).

Rise and Shine extended their winless run to seven matches in the league when they lost 1-0 to Bloemfontein Celtic at home last weekend and it was also their seventh successive defeat.

The defeat left Polokwane placed 13th on the league standings - a point above the relegation playoff spot which is currently occupied by AmaZulu FC.

Bernard Molekwa, the Polokwane caretaker coach, remains hopeful that his side will soon end their winless run in the top flight league.

"I still have to continue motivating them so that they can keep on working hard," Molekwa said.

"Maybe luck will be on our side as long as we are working hard and we stay focused. One day we will get it right and collect the three points."

Meanwhile, Maritzburg extended their winless run to four matches in the league by drawing 0-0 with their KwaZulu-Natal rivals AmaZulu away last weekend.

As a result, the Team of Choice are placed 10th on the league standings - three points behind fifth-placed Bloemfontein Celtic.

Maritzburg defender Rushine De Reuck says it is important for his side to secure a win over Polokwane after their draw in the KZN derby.

"The KZN derby wasn't easy, we tried our best but we weren't good enough to take the three points," De Reuck said.

"But we keep on pushing as a team, we keep on believing in each other and hopefully we will pick up the three points in our next match."

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Polokwane City

Jabulani Maluleke: The inspirational captain remains an influential player in the team despite being 37. Maluleka will be eager to lead his side to a victory.

Charlton Mashumba: The Zimbabwean marksman has netted four goals in the league this season. Mashumba will be looking to add to his tally against Maritzburg.

Maritzburg United

Richard Ofori: The Ghanaian goalkeeper has kept two successive assists in the league. Ofori will be keen to make it three clean sheets in a row against Polokwane.

Judas Moseamedi: The marksman has netted three goals in his last four competitive matches. Moseamedi will be hoping to find the back of the net and help his side win.