Wits look to get back on track

Bidvest Wits will look to get back on track in their bid to win the Absa Premiership when they face hosts Polokwane City at the Old Peter Mokaba Stadium on 20 January 2019, kick-off at 15h30 CAT.

Polokwane are one of the form teams in the top flight right now, as they are unbeaten in their last four league matches and claimed a 3-2 home win over AmaZulu on January 5, with goals from Bongile Booi and Walter Musona (two).

Rise and Shine have taken 14 points from nine home matches this season, though they have suffered defeats as hosts to Mamelodi Sundowns, Orlando Pirates and Cape Town City.

Wits suffered a fourth defeat of the season when they were beaten 2-0 at home by Kaizer Chiefs on January 9. The Johannesburg side also finished the game with 10 men following late red card for defender Robyn Johannes.

The loss left coach Gavin Hunt fuming at his side’s indiscipline and he will be expecting a far better showing from his charges this coming weekend.

The good news for the Clever Boys is that they have performed superbly away from home this season, taking 20 points from a possible 24. Their last result on the road a 2-1 win at Free State Stars earlier this month, and they will back themselves to repeat the feat in the Limpopo province.

In head-to-head stats, Polokwane and Wits have met in 11 league matches since 2013/14. The Clever Boys have claimed four wins compared to two for Rise and Shine, while five matches have been drawn. The Limpopo side has yet to claim a home win in the rivalry, recording three draws and two losses as hosts.

When the teams met earlier this season, at Bidvest Stadium in September 2018, Polokwane won 1-0 thanks to a goal from Jabulani Maluleke – despite playing most of the game with 10 men following an early dismissal. The result broke a seven-game unbeaten run in the rivalry for Wits.

Polokwane City v Bidvest Wits – Head-to-head, league since 2013/14

Matches played 11

Polokwane wins 2

Wits wins 4

Draws 5

Last five results (League only, most recent first)

Polokwane | W | D | D | W | L
Wits | L | W | W | W | D