The current Absa Premiership holders Bidvest Wits haven't looked anything like themselves this season. Wits set a new‚ unwanted record‚ of the worst start to a season by a defending champion in the PSL era. The New Year and new signings have given Gavin Hunt's team CPR, breathing new life into their poor campaign. Kaizer Chiefs, on the other hand, are only five points behind log leaders Mamelodi Sundowns and are looking to continue their good form whilst edging closer to what will be Steve Komphela's maiden trophy as Amakhosi coach. Will the Students teach Steve Komphela and his class new lessons in the equation of 'How To Lose Handsomely To Champions' or will the Glamour Boys rise to the occasion?
Bidvest Wits
As aforementioned, Bidvest Wits started the season in relegation type form. Week after week Wits was stuck at the bottom of the table like a novice trainer being stuck at the bottom of their squat because they had put too much weight on the squat bar. The heavy load in the instance of Bidvest Wits was the hefty burden of being champions.
Bidvest Wits have started 2018 in fine form collecting 10 out of a possible 15 points and are on a four-game unbeaten streak which is the longest streak they've had all season. The Clever Boys have made good January signings. Especially the signing of Edwin Gyimah. He has anchored their midfield effectively. His ability to put his foot on the ball and get the offence of the team ticking whilst also sensing and snuffing out the danger as a defensive midfielder.
Kaizer Chiefs
Last Saturday's game between Kaizer Chiefs and Mamelodi Sundowns was billed as the game of the season. 70 000+ plus people came out to watch what was promised to be the match that would have, more drama than your favourite soapie. Well, it didn't turn out to be anything close to what was predicted. It was a sleep-inducing dull 0-0 draw. Nevertheless, both teams came out unscathed as Sundowns didn't lose ground to title contenders and Chief's didn't go behind Downs by a further 3 points.
Kaizer Chiefs are on their own run of six games unbeaten streak. Amakhosi have won four and drawn two of their last six league games. Their famously stingy defence is now being complemented by an attack that is able to convert chances created.
Record
Bidvest Wits last five games in the Absa Premiership
WWDWL (60% WIN PERCENTAGE)
Mamelodi Sundowns last five games in the Absa Premiership
DWDWW (60% WIN PERCENTAGE)
Prediction
BET.co.za has Kaizer Chiefs as slight underdogs at 1.90 for the win and at Bidvest Wits at 1.55, and a draw 1.75.
As a team competing for a championship Kaizer Chiefs are going into every game looking for a win. But Komphela isn't the type of coach to set up his team to go all-out attack. Chiefs are very measured with their play and don't give anything away in their defensive third of the pitch.
Even though they are having two different types of seasons 12th placed Bidvest Wits with 21 points are only nine points behind fourth-placed Kaizer Chiefs with 30 points with 11 games still to go in the season. With a good run of results, Bidvest have the opportunity to break into the top 8 as they are only four points behind 8th placed Bloemfontein Celtics.
This game will be attack versus defence. Kaizer Chiefs will try to catch Bidvest Wits on the counter. That tactic, however, may backfire like it did in the MTN 8 semi-final where Bidvest Wits scored the first goal against Amakhosi and ultimately won the game.
I see Wits
scoring the first goal and Kaizer Chiefs abandoning their defend-first
orientated strategy to make this an open game. In open games, the team with the
better talent almost always wins which in this case is Bidvest Wits.