Wits can land title tomorrow
Wits are on the verge of clinching the PSL title for the first time and could wrap it up tomorrow night if Sundowns falter against Maritzburg United
Abruising Premier Soccer League campaign could be concluded on Wednesday night and see BidVest Wits win the title for the first time, but it is widely expected to go right down to the wire later in the month. Wits take a two-point advantage into the penultimate round of league matches being played midweek and could sew up the title if they beat Polokwane City at home and Mamelodi Sundowns falter against Maritzburg United.
It would be a historic success for the “Clever Boys”, who have spent all but one season in the top flight of South African football since 1978 but never won a league title.
It would, however, be a record-equalling fourth championship for Gavin Hunt, who previously won a trio of titles as coach of SuperSport United from 2008 to 2010, and end a long wait for a return to the winners’ podium.
But Wits must overcome an unpredictable opponent that has confounded the pundits and conventional wisdom, by spending most of the season inside the top eight of the standings despite losing their coach halfway through the campaign.
Polokwane City will, however, be without inspiring midfielder Jabu Maluleke, who picked up a caution in Saturday’s home win over Kaizer Chiefs and misses the match on Wednesday through suspension. This is a blow to the Limpopo club, and a boost for Wits, because Maluleke might be slowing down as the years catch up with him but there are few finer passing exponents in the PSL.
Victory for Wits will guarantee they keep up their narrow lead at the top of the standings going into the final round of matches on Saturday 27 May.
But even better for them would be a scenario in which second-placed Sundowns falter in their match at home to Maritzburg United and slip out of contention.
If Wits win, Sundowns must be victorious as well to take the title race to the final day of the league season.
But Pitso Mosimane’s side have looked decidedly fatigued over the last weeks and have lost their crispness and self-confidence that has seen them dominate the local landscape over the last year.
Giving away a last-minute penalty in their previous league game against Baroka, and being held to a 2-2 draw, could well prove the result that costs them the title.
There is a sense now that they have little left in the tank after an exhausting season and face an almighty struggle to overcome Maritzburg, who are seeking a top-eight finish for only a second time in club history.
Wits’ best scenario for championship success must be on Wednesday, because if it goes down to the last day of the season, their task looks much tougher.
Should there still be only two points separating the two sides on the last day, and given Sundowns have the superior goal difference, it will be necessary for Wits to beat Kaizer Chiefs away - never an easy task under any circumstance. That is why they would far rather prefer Wednesday’s games to prove decisive.