Opinion

Why Wits hold key to PSL title

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Thabang Monare challenged by Oupa Manyisa

Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates are front-runners for the Absa Premiership title, but defending champions Bidvest Wits can decide if the title goes to Chloorkop or Mayfair, writes DYLAN APPOLIS.

Since making history last season by winning their maiden top-flight title in their 96-year existence, Wits have had little to smile about.

Their dismal form in the league has seen them claim just seven wins from 24 matches.

All that can be done to salvage Gavin Hunt’s team’s season is to finish as high as possible in the top-half of the table and play a major part in deciding if the title goes to Chloorkop or Mayfair.

Lack of cohesion and inconsistency has been the Clever Boys’ biggest downfall this season. Impressive wins against Soweto giants Orlando Pirates and Cape Town City, have been coupled with a toothless performance in the goalless draw against Kaizer Chiefs, while shock results such as the 3-0 defeat to AmaZulu and a 2-0 loss to Chippa United has become the norm this season.

After going from league champions to staring down the barrel of relegation this season, Wits have slowly fought their way out of the danger zone and are now three points adrift of a top-eight spot.

Wits may not retain their title, but the destination of the 2017-18 trophy could well be in their hands with both Sundowns and Pirates yet to play the Students in the final stretch of the campaign.

Head-To-Head

Gavin Hunt and Pitso Mosimane

Hunt and Pitso Mosimane will renew their rivalry in the dugout when Sundowns welcome Wits to Loftus Versfeld Stadium on 18 April.

History will be on Sundowns’ side as they enter the second installment of their PSL encounter, but the Brazilians could be in for a big surprise in a match of this calibre. Wits have recently found form and are currently on an eight-match unbeaten run in the league, claiming five wins and three draws.

Mosimane no doubt has the humiliating 3-0 defeat in the back of his head that Wits inflicted on them in the MTN8 final in 2016. The former Bafana Bafana coach will look to make good on his promise he made after Hunt guided Wits to the title.

‘We will fetch the trophy. We know the address. It’s just off the highway,’ Mosimane said.

Milutin Sredojevic of Orlando Pirates

Despite coach Milutin Sredojevic and assistant Rulani Mokwena insisting that Orlando Pirates do not form part of the title-race, the Buccaneers have managed to completely turn their fortunes around following their worst-ever season last campaign.

The Soweto giants occupy second spot on the table, one point behind Sundowns and it is no doubt that the title is in the back of their minds, however a determined Wits outfit stand in their way.

Wits did the double over Pirates in their league-winning campaign and boast a superior head-to-head record against Micho’s side in recent times with six wins in their last six fixtures in all competitions.

Title Contenders

As thing stand, Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates are front-runners for the PSL title.

However, with the title race reaching the business end, Sundowns face tough fixtures in Wits and Maritzburg United.

What could be an advantage for Pirates over Sundowns in their pursuit of the league title, is their lack of continental football, but with encounters against SuperSport United, Wits, Cape Town City and Free State Stars all coming up Pirates will have their work cut out for them if they are to have any hope of winning their first league title since their back-to-back double treble campaigns in 2010-11 and 2011-12.

Surprise Package

If Mosimane’s side do slip up, Pirates aren’t the only team that could be breathing down their necks. Maritzburg United and Free State Stars have fairly easier fixtures than the top-sides and an upset could be on the cards if their recent form continues.

‘I said my first target is to save Free State Stars from relegation. My second target is my personal challenge, which everybody who was laughing at me when I mentioned it, that I wanted to bring Free State Stars into the top eight. We are not yet sure to be in the top eight mathematically,’ Stars coach Luc Eymael said.

‘To be sure to be in the top eight mathematically at the end of the season we still have to win five points, I think. With 42 points we will be in the top eight. After that we will see what we can get – if we can be in [position] seven, six or five – we will see. We have to take it one game at a time. We don’t have the luxury to choose competitions or choose games. We try to do our best all the time,’ concluded the Belgian tactician.

The defending champions might not have had the best of seasons, but they will have a say in deciding who walks away with the title at the end of the season.

Photo: Samuel Shivambu/BackpagePix