Bidvest Wits kicks off the PSL with a win.
The Clever Boys have kicked off their season with an edge over The Glamour Boys (Kaizer Chiefs), playing to a 2-1 win at home on Tuesday, August 23.
Playing at the packed Bidvest stadium in Braamfontein, Wits emerged as the stronger team leaving the visitors, headed by new captain and Bafana Bafana player Itumeleng Khune, looking tired and not quite up to the challenge.
The home side showed vigour, attacking early in the match, putting goalkeeper Khune under severe pressure. Eventually, The Clever Boys succeeded with a superb move from left-back Sifiso Hlanti, who crossed to an unmarked Elias Pelembe, who swiftly put the ball into the net.
In the second half with a 1-0 lead, Wits continued to dominate the game, quickly securing a second goal. Left-footed midfielder, Daine Klate took a neat corner to defender and captain, Thulani Hlatshwayo, who took the honours with the second goal.
Kaizer Chiefs seemed to be dawdling through the game, only securing a goal in the 82nd minute of the match scored by defender, Lorenzo Gordinho.
Bidvest Wits featured four new players in this season opener. Striker Cuthbert Malajila, goalkeeper Darren Keet, midfielder Mogakolodi Ngele and midfielder Xola Mlambo were all bought during pre-season. Amakhosi’s starting line-up was the same as that fielded for their final match of last season. The only change to the team was the addition of Ramahlwe Mphahlele, a former Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder and defender.
This is the first opening match defeat in several years for Amakhosi and fans will expect a much better performance in their next meeting with Platinum Stars on September 14.
Wits is due to face off with Polokwane City on the September 13, and hopefully they can continue with the same pace and strength they showed this week.
