Hunt’s Wits ease into top spot in the league

While most of the the fuss on Saturday was focused on Kaizer Chiefs and Mamelodi Sundowns, Bidvest Wits quietly went about the business of moving back to the top of the Absa Premiership with a 2-0 win over Platinum Stars.

That may only last for a few more hours, as Cape Town City would return to the summit with a victory at home to Chippa United this evening, but it is the Clever Boys, with games in hand on everyone except Sundowns, who now look in pole position in the title race.

Wits coach Gavin Hunt (right) conceded that his side were not at their best against Dikwena, but Phakamani Mahlambi’s tapin and Daine Klate’s penalty were enough to earn them a crucial three points.

“The result was important, I don’t think we played well,” said Hunt

“Over the course of the game I think we had the better chances, they also had one or two, it was not great, but it is the normal story after an international break. Look at Chelsea (the London side surprisingly lost 2-1 at home to Crystal Palace on Saturday).”

Hunt adds that a growing injury list is likely to stop him mixing up his side too much for a busy week which sees Wits play at Jomo Cosmos in the Nedbank Cup last-16 tomorrow, and then take on Egyptian side Smouha in the first leg of their Caf Confederation Cup play-off match on Saturday at the Bidvest Stadium.

Nazeer Allie has broken his toe, while Granwald Scott, Xola Mlambo and James Keene are also in the casualty room.

Elias Pelembe was also missing on Saturday, as a problem with his passport meant he couldn’t get back from international duty in Mozambique.

Hunt admits to not knowing much about the current Cosmos side – “I haven’t seen them play this year” – or about Smouha.

“I have one or two videos, I see they beat Zamalek 2-0 yesterday, so they must be a good side,” added the Wits coach.