Arrows aim to shoot down Wits

Molahlehi Khunyedi of Bidvest Wits

Sunday Dec 08, 2019. 22:21

Golden Arrows will aim to claim all three Absa Premiership points on offer when they host Bidvest Wits at the Sugar Ray Xulu Stadium on Thursday 12 December 2019, kick-off at 18h00.

Arrows suffered a first league loss since early October when they went down 2-1 away to Black Leopards on November 30. Abafana Bes’thende, though, boast an excellent home record: 14 points from six undefeated matches in 2019/20.

Wits recorded their first draw of the season when they held Highlands Park 1-1 at Makhulong Stadium on November 26, with Thabang Monare equalising from a late penalty. The Clever Boys have taken 10 points from a possible 12 on the road so far this league campaign.

In head-to-head stats, Wits and Arrows have met in 32 league matches since 2001/02. The Johannesburg side has claimed 19 wins compared to five for their Durban counterparts, while eight matches have been drawn. Abafana Bes’thende have won have won just three of their 16 home matches in the rivalry, suffering nine defeats in the process.

Wits took four points off Arrows in the teams’ two league meetings last season. Their clash in Johannesburg in December 2018 ended 2-2, while a loan goal from Frank Mhango saw the Clever Boys win the return game in Durban in May 2019. Arrows have not won a home league match against Wits since February 2007.

Arrows’ line-up from their 2-1 loss to Leopards on November 30: Sibanda, S. Dube, Sibisi, Mathiane, Nkombelo, Makhubela (Sibisi 88′), Phiri, Shitolo (Venter 78′), Parusnath, Mtshali, Mutizwa.

Wits’ line-up from their 1-1 draw with Highlands on November 26: Petersen, Nonyane, Hlatshwayo, Mkhwanazi, Hlanti, Domingo (Pelembe 59’), Alexander, Monare, Hotto (Khunyedi 89’), Dzvukamanja, Motupa (Machupu 46’).