Wits, City renew rivalry

by Graeme Jackson

Friday Mar 01, 2019. 08:19

Bidvest Wits and Cape Town City will renew their rivalry in the Absa Premiership when the teams meet at Bidvest Stadium on 2 March 2019, kick-off at 20h15.

Wits have claimed just one victory in their last five league outings and their most recent result was a 1-1 draw at home to title rivals Mamelodi Sundowns on February 23.

The Clever Boys have claimed 17 points from 11 home matches this season. Their last three games as hosts have brought them one win, one draw and one defeat.

City suffered a second defeat from their last three league games when they were beaten 3-2 at new log leaders Mamelodi Sundowns on February 27.

The Citizens have claimed 12 points from 10 away matches this season, though their last two outings on the road have both ended in losses.

In head-to-head stats, City and Wits have met in five league matches since the 2016/17 season. The Citizens and the Clever Boys have both claimed two wins, while one game has been drawn. The Johannesburg side has yet to win at home in the rivalry, though, suffering two defeats from their matches as hosts.

When the teams met earlier this season, at Cape Town Stadium in October 2018, Wits claimed a 2-0 away win thanks to a brace from striker Simon Murray. It was a second successive win in the rivalry for the Clever Boys.

Wits’ line-up from their 1-1 draw with Sundowns on February 23: Keet, Mere, Hlatshwayo, Johannes, Hlanti, Alexander, Scott, Hotto (Mhango 64'), Ritchie (Pelembe 46'), Motupa, Lakay (Murray 80').

City’s line-up from their 3-2 loss to Sundowns on February 27: Leeuwenburgh, Mkhize, Fielies, Cupido, Edmilson (Seedat 46’), Modise (Kewuti 46’), Mokeke, Norodien, Martin, Mthembu (Erasmus 67’), Links.