Clever Boys in rude health

Tshepo Ntsoelengoe

There was much joy at the Bidvest Stadium last weekend when Bidvest Wits booked their spot in the next round of the Caf Champions League, but Wits now have to shift their focus back in the Absa Premiership with a clash against Baroka FC at the same venue today.

Wits go into the clash with Bakgaga with three games in hand due to their involvement in the African club competition. The Clever Boys are just two points behind leaders Kaizer Chiefs and a win tonight will take them to the summit.

Apart from advancing in the continent’t top competition, Wits had more reason to celebrate last weekend after they announced that skipper Thulani Hlatshwayo as well as youngster Phakamani Mahlambi have extended their contracts with the Clever Boys.

“I am very proud and happy to have extended my stay with Bidvest Wits. I feel very privileged with the faith they have showed in me and I believe we will grow together from strength to strength. I have grown as a player at this club under coach Gavin Hunt and I am looking forward to a successful future with my club,” defender Hlatshwayo was quoted as saying on the club’s website.

With Mahlambi included in the national Under-20 squad that is going to Zambia for the Caf Under-20 Africa Cup of Nations on Friday, it is still unclear whether the 19-year-old will be part of the match-day squad.

Meanwhile, with things looking pretty healthy at Wits, the same can’t be said for Baroka. The Limpopo outfit are going through some difficult times heading into this tie.

Head coach Jacob Sakala has been placed on suspension with the club lying at the bottom of the table with 13 points and former head coach Kgoloko Thobejane has been recalled to take over.

A win for Wits will see them go to the top of the Premiership, while a win for Baroka will take them only one place higher.