WITS CONSOLIDATE TOP SPOT WITH WIN OVER CHIEFS
Bidvest Wits consolidated their place at the top of the Absa Premiership log with a 3-1 thumping of Kaizer Chiefs at the FNB Stadium on Tuesday evening.
The Clever Boys came into the game on top of the standings only on goal difference after a big win over Free State Stars on the weekend, but their triumph at Soccer City – which was secured by goals from Deon Hotto, Terrence Dzvukamanja and Gift Motupa – underlined their value as table-toppers.
As for the Amakhosi, the pressure is already mounting on new coach Giovanni Solinas after two winless matches (Chiefs drew 1-1 with Mamelodi Sundowns in their opener).
Wits looked full of running and intent from early on, with the likes of Mxolisi Machupu and Thulani Hlatshwayo having half chances inside the opening quarter hour.
The Clever Boys claimed the lead midway through the first half thanks to a brilliant strike from Deon Hotto, who sent an unstoppable left-footed drive beyond the reach of Itumeleng Khune in the 23rd minute.
Chiefs initially threatened to level the game through Bernard Parker, before his strike partner Leonardo Castro made it 1-1 in the 33rd minute, glancing home a fine header from Khama Billiat’s free kick.
The Soweto side looked to step up their game after the goal, but a couple of minutes before the break they were caught cold in defence, as Terrence Dzvukamanja nodded home an excellent cross from Sifiso Hlanti to put Wits back in front at 2-1.
And the visitors added to their advantage early in the second half, with Hotto and Gift Motupa combining to give the latter the chance to send a low shot past Khune’s left and make it 3-1 on 47 minutes.
Chiefs missed a great chance to pull a goal back in the 57th minute, as defender Erick Mathoho was left completely unmarked at a corner kick, but he failed to hit the target with his header.
On 76 minutes the Amakhosi again narrowly missed out on reducing the deficit, as Billiat shaved the outside of Darren Keet’s right-hand post with an effort direct from a free kick.
Kaizer Chiefs 1
Castro 33’
Bidvest Wits 3
Hotto 23’, Dzvukamanja 43’, Motupa 47’
Chiefs: Khune, Mphahlele, Cardoso, Mathoho, Ntiyantiya (Ekstein 86’), Katsande, Ntshangase, Billiat, Tshabalala (Paez 66’), Parker, Castro (Mahlasela 79’)
Wits: Keet, Hlatshwayo, Mkhwanazi, Johannes, Hlanti, Dzvukamanja, Monare, Alexander (Weidlich 89’), Hotto (Mere 83’), Machupu, Motupa (Domingo 61’)
