Clever Boys Keene to stay in touch
TITLE RACE: JAMES ENSURES WITS DON’T LOSE SIGHT
Win serves as morale booster for title chasers ahead of Confederation Cup clash this weekend.
Alate winner by James Keene and an early birthday present for Daine Klate kept Bidvest Wits in the title chase by beating Maritzburg United 2-1 at the Harry Gwala Stadium last night.
The win was vital for Gavin Hunt’s men, who took charge of the match in the early stages and more importantly, in the dying moments.
The Clever Boys now trail leaders Mamelodi Sundowns by seven points, as they occupy second on the table with 42 points.
For United, it was a blow as they remain at the bottom of the standings with 12 points.
A beautiful cross from Ellias Pelembe on the right side, found Klate charging inside the box to meet the ball with a powerful header giving the Clever Boys a 1- 0 lead in the 31st minute.
Having started poorly, the home-side lacked the enthusiasm that saw them win their previous match against Celtic, but they managed to pull themselves together as the game went on.
With the Team of Choice battling to get out of relegation, there seemed to be some strong words during the half-time talk from Ernest Middendorp, with Maritzburg starting the second a bit stronger.
There seemed to be a couple of chances that came through for Evans Rusike, but the forward was unable to capitalise.
It took substitute Gregory Maasdorp to level the scores for them in the 81st minute, only for Keene, who missed two sitters earlier on, to win the match for Wits with a last touch of the ball.
The win is certainly a morale booster for Wits to keep their championship title dream alive as well as winning momentum as they head into the weekend for a second round clash with LightStars in the Confederation Cup.
Kick-off is at 6pm on Saturday.