BENNY

Cape Town City will be gunning for victory in the first leg of the MTN8 semifinal when they host Bidvest Wits on Sunday afternoon at Cape Town Stadium.

Kick-off is at 3:30pm.

The Citizens will be motivate ahead of this encounter having claimed a 1-0 win over the Absa Premiership and Wafa Wafa champions, Wits, last week.

Coach Benedict McCarthy has to push his troops to remain disciplined to ensure they claim their second victory over the Johannesburg-based side.

City booked a spot in the semifinals after beating Polokwane City in the previous round, but are fresh from a 3-1 win over Platinum Stars in their second league match on Wednesday at home.

Looking at the Clever Boys, coach Gavin Hunt is also pushing for their successful defence of the MTN8.

Wits managed to open their account in the competition with a win over Golden Arrows via penalties at home, but lost to City in their league opener.

Coach Hunt will now have to avoid their second loss against Cape Town Cty considering the fact that they also drew 2-2 on Wednesday against Free State Stars away in the league.

Previous starting XI

Cape Town City v Platinum Stars: Walters, Fielies, Johannes, Seedat, Kobola, Putsche, Matsi, Manyama Lakay, Patosi, Koapeng

Bidvest Wits v Free State Stars: Josephs, Hlatshwayo, Khumalo, Monare, Rodgers, Hlanti, Claasen, Mhango, Kodisang, Frosler, Ntshangase

Head-to-Head

Head-to- Head (since 2016/17)

PREVIOUS CUP MEETINGS

Season Cup Result Scorers

2016/17 MTN8 semi, 1 st leg Wits 3-0 CTC Rodgers, Pelembe, Mhango

2016/17 MTN8 semi, 2 nd leg CTC 0-0 Wits

ALL LEAGUE RESULTS

Season Result Scorers

2016/17 Wits 2-3 CTC Khumalo, Rodgers; Putsche, Manyama 2

2016/17 CTC 1-1 Wits Gumede; Mahlambi (pen)

2017/18 Wits 0-1 CTC Majoro

OVERALL RECORD (all competitions)

P W D L GF GA

CTC 5 2 2 1 5 6

Bidvest Wits 5 1 2 2 6 5

What the teams are saying

Cape Town City coach Benedict McCarthy:

“Listen, for me it’s from Monday to Friday. I come to work because I want to enjoy the Saturdays, the fight, a win,” said McCarthy.

“And that’s why I decided I want to get involved. Because, yeah, it gives me the greatest pleasure when you work, have a good week ahead and you round the week off and the guys put in the performance and you get a positive result.

“For me it’s all about winning and that’s all they get to hear. You know, because I want them to know that winning is not a chore it must be a habit.

“When you walk out that dressing room you walk out because you want to win. So, they know when it comes to that it’s about winning.

“I don’t feel the pressure because it’s just a game of football and I think if we prepare ourselves well, as long as they give me 100 percent effort, the commitment and they leave everything out there irrespective of the result I’m happy with that.

“And so far it’s been three wins out three, so yeah, I’m more excited.”

Bidvest Wits striker Frank Mhango:

“Yeah it will be a tough game and everybody wants to be in the semifinal, we are playing a good team and their mood is also high – we are working hard as a team,” said Mhango.

“I can’t say that we are looking for revenge, the league loss is in the past, we are looking at the future. We lost to them but we want to focus on the next game. As players, our morale is high.

“We will try to get a win by all means in Cape Town. It won’t be easy I know.

“However, our coach is back on the touchline, that is a huge boost for us and we are looking forward to the match.”

Key players for Cape Town City:

Shu-Aib Walters:

Walters is undoubtedly one of the underrated goalkeepers in the country and has cemented his place in the side.

Roland Putsche:

The tough as steel midfielder has made a huge contribution for the Mother City club in their maiden season in the top flight.

Key players for Bidvest Wits:

Thulani Hlatshwayo:

The Bafana Bafana skipper was the man as Wits claimed the double last season. The big defender will want to score vital goals for the club once again this season and defend their trophy.

James Keene:

Keene’s ability to run at defenders will be a tough assignment for the hosts. He is dangerous upfront and his height, eye for goal as well as ambition will help the Clever Boys.