Ahmed Gamal Amr of Wits against Itumeleng Khune of Kaizer Chiefs during the Absa Premiership match between Kaizer Chiefs and Bidvest Wits at FNB Stadium. (Photo by Sydney Seshibedi/Gallo Images)
Phakaaathi’s Jonty Mark and Khaya Ndubane give their views on who will win on the day, and why.
Why Wits will win (Jonty Mark, Phakaaathi Editor)
It has been a difficult season-so-far for Bidvest Wits, the Clever Boys making a horrifically limp start to the defence of their Absa Premiership title. Head coach Gavin Hunt has pointed often to a spate of injuries as one reason for Wits’ problems, but it is hard to empathise too much when Wits have, on paper anyway, one of the most powerful squads in the country. Wits have, at least, had the solace of the Telkom Knockout of late, with Free State Stars and Baroka FC overcome at Bidvest Stadium en route to Saturday’s semifinal against Kaizer Chiefs. The fates have been kind to Wits again in handing them a third consecutive home draw, though supporter-wise there is really no such thing as a home game against Amakhosi.
This will probably be a tight game, with two coaches who prefer a tactical battle to free-flowing attacking football. In the September league game at FNB Stadium, Wits had the better chances until Nazeer Allie was sent off, and even then managed to find a last-gasp equaliser through Amr Gamal. Steve Komphela will be desperate to reach another cup final with Kaizer Chiefs coach, and then end his own trophy drought, but I just think Wits will edge this game by the odd goal. This is a win the Clever Boys also badly need to give them momentum heading into a busy schedule. I pick Wits to take it 1-0.
Prediction: Bidvest Wits 1 Kaizer Chiefs 0
Why Chiefs will win (Khaya Ndubane, Online Content Manager)
Amakhosi know that this cup presents them with perhaps the last opportunity to win silverware. After all, they have not done well in the Nedbank Cup over the years. With talks in the Chiefs corridors being that Steve Komphela has being given an ultimatum to win or bust, Amakhosi know what is at stake going into this match. Wits might have beaten Free State Stars and Baroka in this venue, but with due respect to them they are not cup specialists like Chiefs, so Wits know that Amakhosi they’re in for a tough encounter today. Statistics show that Wits have only beaten Chiefs four times in 28 cup matches since 1985, while Chiefs have claimed 14 wins over the Clever Boys. And with Wits struggling this season, I see this dominance continuing today. It’s going to be a comfortable win for Chiefs this afternoon.
Prediction: Bidvest Wits 0 Kaizer Chiefs 2
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