Lucky Wits get all the points

Shitolo own goal condemns Bucs

Just when it looked like Bidvest Wits’ perfect start would be snapped, young Haashim Domingo came to the rescue from the bench to force an own goal as his team edged Orlando Pirates 1-0 last night.

Although it was registered as a Gladwin Shitolo own goal through a deflection in the 80th minute, it was the superb work of Domingo on the flank whose cross took a deflection that went past goalkeeper Siyabonga Mpontshane.

The victory ensured that the university club maintained their lead on top of the Absa Premiership table where they have nine points.

Gavin Hunt made his first appearance on the bench this season after missing the previous games to suspension. Perhaps his absence from the bench in the two previous games was a lucky charm as Wits this time seemed to struggle to impose themselves on their opponents.

The Clever Boys’ playmaker, Gift Motupa, had a bad day at the office with his passes not finding their mark. Pirates seemed to have an answer for Wits’ attacking formation, with Xola Mlambo cleaning up in the midfield.

Strike partners Justin Shonga and Augustine Mulenga had some good combinations in attack but on the night the Zambian duo were misfiring.

Pirates rang in the changes in the second half as they withdrew both Shonga and Mulenga and played Thamsanqa Gabuza as the lone striker.

But the technical team changed the structure of the team so much that it was questionable if the players had the football IQ to seamlessly adapt.

Playing against his former team, winger Vincent Pule had some lively touches on the ball but his tricks were more of playing to the gallery than creating scoring chances. Pule’s one opportunity hit the upright in the 56th minute.

Wits winger Deon Hotto showed that he did not only bring an attacking element to the club since his arrival as he was a workhorse in defensive duty as well.

In central midfield, Thabang Monare had a stellar game against Musa Nyatama who by his standards had a poor performance

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16

/ LEFTY SHIVAMBU/ GALLO IMAGES Augustine Mulenga of Pirates and Thabang Monare of Wits clash during last night’s Absa Premiership match at Orlando Stadium, won 1-0 by Wits.