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Cape Town - The first round of the MTN8 kicks off tonight with Bidvest Wits facing SuperSport United at the Bidvest Stadium.
Wits could be considered as favourites based on their league position last season, when they finished 11 points above their rivals thanks to a much tighter defence.
Their defensive antics could prove crucial again as Wits seldom manage to win when they concede.
That proved to be the case in last season’s meetings with SuperSport, when keeping the opposition out ended in a 1-0 win for Wits after losing their earlier encounter 2-1.
SuperSport might be more ready for the encounter after their adventures in the Cape Town Cup. Matsatsantsa recently played out a 1-1 draw with Ajax in that competition after being defeated 4-0 by English Premier League side Crystal Palace. Although that loss to the Eagles won't have boosted their confidence, it should have helped with the pre-season preparations and could give SuperSport the edge.
For Wits, new signing Kris Bright is unlikely to feature after club CEO, Jose Ferreira, recently called the chances of the New Zealand striker playing as "very slim, if none (sic)".
Another new arrival from the region who seems unlikely to feature is Australian attacking midfielder Isaka Cernak.
The 26-year-old only recently arrived in the country so this match will come too early for him.
Kick-off is at 19:30.
