Students make a big statement

FNB Stadium Kaizer Chiefs (1) 1 (Castro 33) Wits (2) 3 (Hotto 23, Dzvukamanja 43, Motupa 47) (2) 3 WITS, the PSL champions from two seasons ago, made a big statement at the FNB Stadium last night, while Kaizer Chiefs – expected, perhaps purely because of their rich history, to be title contenders – proved why it may take a while before they start to click under their new coach.

A refreshed team with the appetite and aim to redeem themselves from an unbelievable 13th-place finish last season during the defence of their championship, Wits ran riot last night and took advantage of Amakhosi, who appear to still be adjusting to the methods of new coach Giovanni Solinas.

Deon Hotto followed on his incredible debut at the weekend to grab the opener as the Students took the lead, with the Namibian finding the back of the net for a second match in succession.

Wits were asking too many questions of what seemed a hapless Amakhosi outfit when striker Khama Billiat won a free kick just outside the penalty box and Siphiwe Tshabalala, from the resulting set piece, found the head of another forward in Leonardo Castro to level matters.

Terrence Dzvukamanja, a new boy at Wits as part of the changes to shake things up by coach Gavin Hunt, quickly restored the Students’ lead before halftime, also with a headed goal from left-back Sifiso Hlanti’s perfect cross.

You’d think Chiefs would have used the break to regroup in search of what would have been Solinas’ first win in charge, but not long after they emerged from the dugout, the visitors pounced yet again.

The central defensive pair of Eric Mathoho and Daniel Cardoso were found wanting, mesmerised by Hotto’s quick feet before he set Gift Motupa free to side foot goalkeeper Itumeleng Khune, adding a third for Wits on the score sheet.

Meanwhile, Mamelodi Sundowns beat Polokwane City 2-0 at the Peter Mokaba Stadium last night.