A Wits treble for Benni’s City?

Johannesburg - Benni McCarthy has already taken the PSL by storm after his first four games as coach. The former Bafana Bafana striker has guided Cape Town City to victories over Polokwane City and Platinum Stars, and has beaten Bidvest Wits twice.

City are second on the log standing on six points, and McCarthy has taken to coaching much as he took being in front of goals.

Today, Benni has a chance of making it a treble over Wits when he leads his side in the MTN8 second leg at Bidvest Stadium.

Having already claimed Wits’ scalp at the same stadium in a league game three weeks ago, City will approach the game buoyantly, knowing they have already beat Wits there.

They take a narrow 1-0 lead to the second leg and will want to kill the game as a contest with an early goal.

Interestingly, the two teams met in the same stage of the same tournament last season, and the Students went on to lift the trophy. They had won the first leg 3-0 at home and played to a goalless draw away in Cape Town. But the roles have been reversed this time around as City are in the advantageous position.

Despite having already lost at home to the Citizens, the Clever Boys are always dangerous at their home ground, which is deemed small by many. They will be hoping to use it to their advantage as they know it is their last chance in the tournament if they are to defend it.

Wits need to score two goals to turn the game around. However, an away goal for the visiting City will change the complexion of the game as it would mean the Students would have to score three or more. This should be their aim – an away goal – and McCarthy will be on his way to his maiden cup final.

Wits coach Gavin Hunt has a sufficient arsenal at his disposal to shoot down City and book their place in the final.

He will be boosted by the availability of Mozambique international Elias Pelembe, who missed the first leg due to illness.

This promises to be a closely fought contest as the two coaches have assembled some of the best talent in the country.

Ayanda Patosi, who has scored two goals in as many games, will be City’s danger man, while Wits will put their faith in Daylon Claasen.