Starting XI: FS Stars v AmaZulu

18 February 2012

ABSA Premiership

Date: 18 February 2012

Teams: Free State Stars – AmaZulu

Venue: Charles Mopeli Stadium

Referee: Victor Hlungwane

 

Free State Stars and AmaZulu are both chasing their first victories of 2012 as they prepare to collide at Charles Mopeli Stadium today.

Stars, lying eighth on the PSL table with 25 points, drew 1-1 with title contenders SuperSport United in Tshwane on Wednesday.

Steve Komphela's charges lost momentum before the recent seven-week break in league action, and will be eager to reassert their credentials.

Usuthu, who are five points poorer in 10th spot, went down 1-0 to leaders Sundowns in midweek, with Lebohang Mokoena's 79th minute winner sniping the points at Durban's Moses Mabhida Stadium.

In team news, Ea Lla Koto  - 1-0 victors in the reverse fixture - have opted to bench/rest Zambian goalkeeper Kennedy Mweene in favour of Ayanda Mtshali. Mweene returned to South Africa on Thursday following successful Africa Cup of Nations duty in Gabon and Equatorial Guinea. The 27-year-old was named the best gloveman at CAF's flagship event.

Komphela is without the services of suspended Togolese defender Ouro-Okoriko Sadate and injured striker Zakari Morou.

Usuthu, meanwhile, have no fresh fitness concerns but nuggety wingback Marc van Heerden remains on the sidelines with a fractured bone in his left foot.

This is how they line up:

Free State Stars: Ayanda Mtshali, Rudiger Gilbert, Ayanda Gcaba, Soriola Gege, Katlego Mashego, Paulos Masehe, Mzikayise Mashaba, Diego Brown, Dove Wome, Edward Mnqele, Daniel Agbagwu.

AmaZulu: Tapuwa Kapini, Carlington Nyadombo, Kasonga Bukasa, Thamsanqa Sangweni, Tshweu Mokoro, Moses Chavula, Stanley Kgatla, Bongani Mbhele, Kagiso Senamela, Goodman Dlamini, Ayanda Dlamini.