Our football pundit shares an insightful preview of the Nedbank Cup last 32 showdown between Bidvest Wits and Cape Town City, scheduled for Wednesday 7 February 2018.
Two top-tier South African clubs with very different seasons so far face off in a pivotal Nedbank Cup encounter! The Clever Boys are wrestling to avoid relegation, while The Citizens are chasing glory and currently leading the league. This season, they’ve met three times already, sparking an intriguing rivalry between coach Benni McCarthy and his mentor Gavin Hunt, who gave him his professional start back in 1995. Will the pupil overcome the master once again? Let’s dig into the details.
Nedbank Cup | Wednesday 7 February | Bidvest Stadium, Gauteng | 19:30
Match Winner (90 Minutes)
Bidvest Wits 13/10
Draw 39/20
Cape Town City 9/4
Bidvest Wits
Once struggling deep in the league standings, The Students have clawed their way out of the relegation zone thanks to an impressive five-match unbeaten run. This quality squad showcased their fighting spirit last year by lifting the Telkom Knockout trophy.
New signing Daylon Claasen, brought in from Germany’s 1860 Munich, has been a revelation over the last two games, bagging the Man-of-the-Match award in both the commanding 4-1 win over SuperSport United and the 1-1 draw against Kaizer Chiefs. Up front, they strike with aerial power thanks to Lehlohonolo Majoro and James Keene, complemented by excellent crosses from Sifiso Hlanti and Sifiso Myeni.
Defensively, newcomers Denis Weidlich and Edwin Gymah have solidified the backline, while captain Thulani Hlatshwayo has excelled playing right-back, proving a perfect fit. Alongside Bongani Khumalo, they add a formidable aerial threat on set pieces.
Cape Town City
Cape Town City come into this match buoyed by a clean sweep in their three meetings against Bidvest Wits this season. Benni McCarthy, returning from a two-match suspension, understands his former coach’s strategies well. However, The Citizens will miss key defenders Robyn Johannes, recently red-carded, and midfielder Thabo “Kante” Nodada, sidelined with a leg injury from a tough tackle. The departure of big-name striker Victor Obinna has been a blow, as he has yet to find form since joining.
Prediction: Cape Town City 9/4
McCarthy knows that to topple his old mentor, controlling the wings and preventing dangerous set pieces are crucial. Though Wits boast a stronger squad on paper, their main focus seems relegation survival rather than cup glory. Expect Cape Town City to continue their dominant winning streak over Wits with a fourth straight win.
