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Rivalry renewed in TKO clash

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Bidvest Wits striker Amr Gamal has scored three goals in the tournament. (Themba Makofane)
Bidvest Wits striker Amr Gamal has scored three goals in the tournament. (Themba Makofane)

Johannesburg - Many supporters will be unable to catch the action live as Bidvest Stadium is expected to be packed to capacity when Bidvest Wits and Kaizer Chiefs renew their rivalry in a Telkom Knockout (TKO) semi-final match on Saturday afternoon.

After what happened at the end of their league game at FNB Stadium in September, when emotions ran high and some unsavoury words were exchanged, a lot can be expected on and off the field.

Suspended fine

The game ended in a 1-1 draw, even though Wits played most of the game with 10 men after Nazeer Allie was sent off.

But it was what happened at the end of the game that is best remembered about that encounter.

Steve Komphela accused Wits’ chief operating officer, Jonathan Schloss, of instigating the altercation.

The Premier Soccer League suspended Wits director George Mogotsi for four games and gave the club a R50 000 suspended fine.

But that was then and Saturday promises to be lit.

Although the Students lost five of their nine league matches, they seem to have reserved their best for this tournament. They won against Free State Stars and Baroka FC en route to the semis.

Egyptian striker Amr Gamal has been their go-to man and has found the back of the net three times so far in the tournament. He was on the scoresheet when the teams met in their league game in September.

Chiefs also seem to have got their act together and triumphed over Chippa United last weekend.

Easing the pressure

Joseph Molangoane has been the live wire for Amakhosi with some explosive runs along the right channel. His defending has been on par, offering attacks from the back.

His back-to-back man of the match awards in games against Polokwane City and Chippa have also made him a favourite among fans.

Unfortunately, coaches Gavin Hunt and Komphela will have to prepare without their captains, who are out on national duty.

In Senegal with Bafana Bafana are Wits captain Thulani Hlatshwayo, and Komphela’s backbone trio of captain Itumeleng Khune, Eric Mathoho and Siphiwe Tshabalala.

Winning this trophy will go a long way towards easing the pressure the two coaches have been under.

But only one can go from here and reach the final against either Polokwane City or Bloemfontein Celtic, who meet next Sunday.


Timothy Molobi
Deputy Sports Editor
City Press
p:+27 11 713 9619
w:www.citypress.co.za  e: timothy@citypress.co.za
      
 
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Fixtures
Sat 30 Mar 24 15:30 PM (SAST)
Cape Town City FC
Cape Town City FC
Kaizer Chiefs
Kaizer Chiefs
Athlone Stadium
Sat 30 Mar 24 15:30 PM (SAST)
Stellenbosch FC
Stellenbosch FC
Royal AM
Royal AM
Danie Craven Stadium
SuperSport
Sat 30 Mar 24 15:30 PM (SAST)
Golden Arrows
Golden Arrows
Richards Bay
Richards Bay
Mpumalanga Stadium
SuperSport
Results
Tue 12 Mar 24
Mamelodi Sundowns
Mamelodi Sundowns 1
SuperSport United
SuperSport United 1
Sun 10 Mar 24
Royal AM
Royal AM 2
Cape Town City FC
Cape Town City FC 0
Sun 10 Mar 24
Polokwane City
Polokwane City 0
Golden Arrows
Golden Arrows 1
Logs
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P
W
PTS
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1. Mamelodi Sundowns
18
14
46
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2. Orlando Pirates
20
9
33
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3. SuperSport United
20
9
33
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4. Stellenbosch FC
19
9
32