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Like many of the clubs who failed to qualify for the top eight, the two teams were also playing for pride. Actually there were no expectations of a beautiful symphony of attacking football but both teams started the match on a positive note.
Wits, who did well at the beginning of the season and had experts touting them for their first league title in many years were among the seasons biggest disappointments, and went into this clash brimming with confidence following their 2-1 victory over League champions Supersport United recently and their intention was to at least finish the season on a high.
However, Platinum Stars, with the with a top ten finish, never mind the top eight, well out of their reach, wanted to complete their own double against the Students whom they beat 3-1 in the first leg in November 2009.
As expected the opening few minutes of the match were dedicated to both sides sizing each other up.
Platinum Stars were the first to ask questions but Dillion Sheppard’s shot was blocked by Timothy Batabaire in the second minute.
Stars’ keeper Tapuwa Kapini nearly made a blunder when he let Marawaan Bantam’s free kick slip through his legs, but he was lucky to see the ball missing the target and going out for a corner in the eighth minute.
Platinum Stars were impressive on their forward forays with Dillon Sheppard orchestrating the operations as the visitors swamped the home side’s territory in search of an opener.
Stars gave the home side a scare when Dillon Sheppard unleashed a blistering shot that brought the best out of Francis Chansa in the 28th minute.
Kagiso Senamela had a chance to give his side a half time lead but after receiving an inviting pass from the middle, the player shot straight into the hands of Francis Chansa in the 40th minute.
The half time score was 0-0.
From the beginning of the second stanza, Platinum Stars looked like the first bet to score, however Joseph Mkalipa was denied by Francis Chansa in the 52nd minute.
Bidvest Wits broke through in the shape of Marawaan Bantam in the 66th minute to put his side on the driving seat.
The goal steadied the Students and helped them to up their tempo. Nkululeko Radebe and Marawaan Bantam were in their element, outclassing the visitors with sublime moves and immaculate passes. They ruled the middle of the park with ease.
With twelve minutes remaining, Platinum Stars regrouped as they staged several onslaughts into the home side’s goalmouth but they failed to use the opportunities they created.
However it was the home side who increased their tally to two thanks to a bullet like free kick by Thando Mngomeni in the 81st minute.
