Bloemfontein Celtic should have full quota of players for Stellenbosch clash

11 September 2019 - 17:29 By Mark Gleeson
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Bernard Parker (L) of Kaizer Chiefs challenged by Neo Maema (R) of Bloemfontein Celtic during an Absa Premiership match. Maema is looking to nail down a regular starting place at Celtic.
Bernard Parker (L) of Kaizer Chiefs challenged by Neo Maema (R) of Bloemfontein Celtic during an Absa Premiership match. Maema is looking to nail down a regular starting place at Celtic.
Image: Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix

Bloemfontein Celtic have been clearing out their treatment room and should have an almost full quota of players to pick from when they host rookies Stellenbosch FC in a league match at the weekend.

Exciting playmaker Neo Maema‚ tipped by many to become Celtic’s key man this season‚ is set to return after knocks kept him out of their last match against champions Mamelodi Sundowns‚ where the Free Staters were beaten at home.

Lantshene Phalane is back after suspension – after a red card collected playing against Baroka FC -- while Jackson Mabokgwane is also ready to go back into goal.

But he might not displace Mondli Mpoto‚ who was part of the Under-23 side that qualified for the Africa Cup of Nations tournament in Egypt in November.

Mabokgwane‚ 31‚ pulled his hamstring during the warm-up before the MTN8 quarter-final against old club Sundowns last month.

Mpusana Tani‚ who also had a muscle pull‚ is another available for selection by coach Lehlohonlo Seema.

Lantshene Phalane (L) is an influential figure in the heart of the Bloemfontein Celtic midfield and his return to be a great boost for the club.
Lantshene Phalane (L) is an influential figure in the heart of the Bloemfontein Celtic midfield and his return to be a great boost for the club.
Image: Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix

The fullback has made an impressive ‚ albeit somewhat belated break through into the first team‚ having been at the club for the last four years.

He was discovered in a trial match‚ played in Celtic’s Multichoice Diski Challenge (MDC) team and was also out on loan at Stellenbosch.

Ryan de Jongh‚ who has been sidelined this season‚ is out with flu while Wandisile Letlabika is still struggling with a knee injury‚ Celtic officials said on Wednesday.

Sunday’s match at the Dr. Molemela Stadium is the first time Celtic meet the newly promoted Stellenbosch.

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