Wits suffer first defeat

by Staff Reporter

Saturday Aug 18, 2018. 22:13

Bidvest Wits’ 100 percent record in the 2018/19 Absa Premiership is no more after they suffered a 1-0 loss at the hands of SuperSport United on Saturday night.

The result at the Bidvest Stadium – which was decided by a goal from Evans Rusike – saw Matsatsantsa move to fourth on the log with six points from three matches, while the Clever Boys remain top with nine points from four outings.

Wits enjoyed early dominance and although SuperSport goalkeeper Ronwen Williams wasn’t tested in the opening quarter, the fact that centre-back Clayton Daniels and defensive midfielder Dean Furman both picked up cautions for desperate challenges within the opening 16 minutes tells its own story.

The Clever Boys had the ball in the back of the net twice around the midway point of the first half, but Mxolisi Machupu had both efforts scratched off for infringements. Just past the half-hour mark, Haashim Domingo sent a volley just over the target after Williams had failed to deal convincingly with a cross.

United missed out on a great chance to claim the lead late in the first half, as a free kick just to the left of the Wits penalty area saw Bongani Khumalo given a free header, but his effort lacked the power and placement to trouble goalkeeper Darren Keet.

Wits made a tactical switch at the start of the second half, taking off Deon Hotto and introducing Bantu Mzwakali into midfield. They managed to create some openings out wide in the first quarter hour after the restart, but the quality of their crossing left much to be desired.

SuperSport went ahead in the 72nd minute, as an attempt on goal from Onismor Bhasera was heavily deflected and fell perfectly for Evans Rusike, who swivelled to volley home from the middle of the penalty area to make it 1-0 to the visitors.

Wits pushed hard for an equaliser in what remained of the game, but the closest they came was a header on target from Buhle Mkhwanazi which was easily saved by Williams in the 90th minute.

SuperSport will return to action next weekend when they face Kaizer Chiefs in the first leg of the MTN8 semifinals, while Wits will wait until August 29 for their next league match, which is at home to AmaZulu.

Bidvest Wits 0
SuperSport United (0) 1 (Rusike 72’)

Wits: Keet, Hlatshwayo, Johannes, Mkhwanazi, Hlanti, Dzvukamanja (Murray 83’), Monare, Alexander, Hotto (Mzwakali 46’), Domingo (Mhango 75’), Machupu

SuperSport: Williams, Kekana, Daniels, Khumalo, Bhasera, Phala (Gould 90+3’), Mokoena, Furman, Modiba (Letsholonyane 58’), Keene, Rusike