Wits look to dent Chiefs’ title hopes

Lebogang Manyama of Kaizer Chiefs shields Rowan Human of Bidvest Wits during the Absa Premiership 2019/20 match between Kaizer Chiefs and Bidvest Wits at the Orlando Stadium, Soweto on the 12 August 2020 ©Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix

by Graeme Jackson

Saturday Aug 29, 2020. 14:00

Bidvest Wits will look to dent Kaizer Chiefs’ Absa Premiership title hopes when the teams meet at the FNB Stadium on Sunday 30 August 2020, kick-off at 15h30.

Wits have put together an eight-game unbeaten run in the league, though that includes six draws – the most recent of which was 1-1 away to Bloemfontein Celtic on August 27. The Clever Boys have claimed 22 points from 13 home matches so far in the 2019/20 season.

Chiefs have won just once in five league outings since the restart and suffered a sixth defeat of the season when they were beaten 1-0 at home by title rivals Mamelodi Sundowns on August 27. The Amakhosi, however, have claimed an impressive 29 points from 13 away matches in this campaign.

In head-to-head stats, Chiefs and Wits have met in 67 league matches since 1985. The Amakhosi have claimed 32 wins compared to 13 for the Clever Boys, while 22 matches have been drawn. The University-based side has won just three of 34 home matches in the rivalry, suffering 19 defeats in the process.

The teams met as recently as August 12, in the first week of the league’s restart, and played out a 1-1 draw: Chiefs looked to be on course for all three points thanks to Samir Nurkovic’s opener, but Cole Alexander netted a late equaliser for Wits.

Wits’ line-up from their 1-1 draw with Celtic on August 27: Goss, Ritchie, Gordinho, Hlatshwayo, Macheke, Alexander, Monare (Mathebula 46′), Nange, Hotto (Sekgota 85′), Human (Macuphu 46′), Dzvukamanja (September 89′).

Chiefs’ line-up from their 1-0 loss to Sundowns on August 27: Akpeyi, Frosler, Moleko (Zulu 76’), Cardoso, Mathoho, Sasman, Katsande (Agay 46’), Sifama (Zuma 46’ [Mphahlele 90+4’]), Parker, Manyama, Kambole (Billiat 46’).