Share

Clever Boys sneak out the drop zone

Cape Town - Bidvest Wits held off a late challenge from Bloemfontein Celtic at the Bidvest Stadium on Friday night to record a narrow 1-0 win and move out the relegation zone.

As it happened: Wits v Bloemfontein Celtic

Apart from a Lehlohonolo Majoro flick which went well wide, neither team had any chances on goal in a cagey first 30 minutes of the match.

It needed a moment of inspiration in attack or a mistake at the back to shake the game up and it was the latter as Celtic defender Mpho Maruping lost the plot when he blatantly beat away a free kick with his hand right in front of his goal, despite goalkeeper Patrick Tingyemb appearing well positioned.

Clever Boys marksman James Keene capitalised to maximum effect when he sent Tingyemb the wrong way and blasted the ball into the roof of the net.

There was action after the half-time break as Celtic midfielder Lantshene Phalane had a long range effort kept out by Darren Keet before Mbhazima Rikhotso tangled with Students midfielder Daylon Claasen in the box but failed to win a penalty for the visitors.

The hosts had half chances to add to their advantage but Vincent Pule was kept out by a good save from Tingyemb while Claasen just failed to pick out Majoro in front of goal.

The Free State side upped the ante in search of an equaliser and had a couple of half chances before Deon Hotto brilliantly plucked a long pass out the air only to fire wide from right in front of goal three minutes from time.

There some more anxious moments for the Students but they managed to hold on for their second win in three matches as they moved out the drop zone.

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should Siya Kolisi keep the captaincy as the Springboks build towards their World Cup title defence in 2027?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Siya will only be 36 at the next World Cup. He can make it!
26% - 1273 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
29% - 1470 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 2249 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE