Wits look to continue great form

by Graeme Jackson

Friday Feb 02, 2018. 11:30

Bidvest Wits will look to continue their fine form in the Absa Premiership when they host Kaizer Chiefs at Bidvest Stadium on 3 February 2018, kick-off at 18h00.

Wits claimed a third win from their last four league matches when they defeated SuperSport United 4-1 away from home on January 27. The Johannesburg side has claimed 10 points from the last 12 up for grabs to move well clear of the relegation zone.

The Clever Boys have claimed just 10 points from as many home matches this season, though their last two games as hosts have brought victories over Bloemfontein Celtic (1-0) and SuperSport United (2-0).

Chiefs extended their unbeaten run in the league to six matches with a goalless draw at home to log leaders Mamelodi Sundowns on January 27. The Soweto giants have taken 14 points from a possible 18 in the sequence.

The Amakhosi have claimed 19 points from 10 away matches this season, with their last game on the road bringing a 2-1 victory at Baroka FC on January 21.

In head-to-head stats, Chiefs and Wits have met in 63 league matches since 1985. The Amakhosi have claimed 31 wins compared to 12 for the Clever Boys, while 20 matches have been drawn. The Johannesburg side has won just three of their 32 home matches against their Soweto counterparts, suffering 18 defeats in the process.

When the teams met earlier this season, Wits salvaged a 1-1 away draw thanks to a late equaliser from Egyptian striker Amr Gamal. Chiefs had led the game 1-0 through Siphiwe Tshabalala and were looking to pick up a fourth win from the teams’ last five league meetings.

Wits’ line-up from their 4-1 win over SuperSport on January 27: Keet, Hlatshwayo, Khumalo, Pule, Hlanti, Claasen, Myeni, Gyimah (Monare 64’), Keene (Mncwango 89’), Majoro (Mhango 45’), Weidlich.

Chiefs’ line-up from their 0-0 draw with Sundowns on January 27: Khune, Moleko, Cardoso, Hadebe, Ngezana, Zulu, Katsande, Maluleka, Tshabalala (Paez 68’), Zuma (Ntshangase 76’), Moon (Castro 63’).