Wits look to end 2017 on a high

by Graeme Jackson

Thursday Dec 14, 2017. 10:17

Bidvest Wits will look to end their Absa Premiership programme for the year 2017 on a high when they host Platinum Stars at Bidvest Stadium on 16 December, kick-off at 20h15.

Wits have gone five league matches without a win after they could only draw 1-1 at Polokwane City on December 9. The Johannesburg side needed a late equaliser from substitute Eleazar Rodgers to secure the stalemate - it was their first goal in the league since a 1-0 win over Baroka in October.

The Clever Boys have battled to perform at home this season, claiming just four points from a possible 18. Their last turn as hosts saw them held to a goalless stalemate by fellow strugglers Ajax Cape Town earlier this month.

Stars saw their six-match unbeaten run come to an end as they were beaten 1-0 at home by Kaizer Chiefs on December 9. The Rustenburg side will be looking to return to the form which saw them beat Polokwane City and Ajax Cape Town in recent matches.

Dikwena have claimed seven points from as many away matches this season, having recorded one win four draws and two defeats. Their last match on the road was a 1-0 win at Polokwane earlier this month which was secured by a goal from Bongi Ntuli.

In head-to-head stats, Wits and Stars have met in 26 league matches since 2003/04. The Clever Boys have claimed 11 wins compared to seven for Dikwena, while eight matches have been drawn. The Johannesburg side has won seven of their 13 home league matches against the Rustenburg club, suffering two defeats in the process.

Last season Wits claimed a league ‘double’ over Stars, winning 1-0 in Rustenburg and 2-0 in Johannesburg. The Clever Boys are unbeaten in their last eight league games against Dikwena and have conceded just one goal in the sequence.

Wits’ line-up from their 1-1 draw with Polokwane on December 9: Keet, Frosler, Hlatshwayo, Mkhwanazi, Hlanti, Claasen (Rodgers 60’), Ntshangase, Monare, Klate, Mhango (Keene 71’), Gamal (Phiri 79’).

Stars’ line-up from their 1-0 loss to Chiefs on December 9: Visser, Mnguni, Zulu, Mwedihanga, Sithole, Msomi (Nyanda 54’), Otladisa, Mere, Ntuli (Matlakala 68’), Masalesa (Monama 79’), Ng’ambi.