Baroka, Wits fight for return to winning ways

Baroka FC and Bidvest Wits will battle for a return to winning ways in the Absa Premiership when the two teams meet at Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane on Saturday afternoon.

Kick-off is at 3:30pm CAT.

Baroka suffered an 11th defeat of the season when they went down 1-0 away to Highlands Park on February 1. Bakgaga have claimed just 10 points from 11 home matches in the 2019/20 season thus far.

This leaves them in 13th place on the log standings, level on points with the two teams below them and just three points off bottom spot.

Bakgaga head coach Dylan Kerr is more than wary of the tough task facing his team in the final few weeks of the season, and it doesn't get any harder than a wounded Wits team.

“I have been here six weeks. Everybody thinks I am going to perform miracles. I can only perform miracles if my team listens‚ learns and puts into practice what we do daily in training," said Kerr.

“The fighting spirit and attitude of not wanting to lose from the players in training is a different class. If I can get them to replicate that on the field ... but it takes time.

“We have three days to plan and prepare. We have a tough game against Gavin Hunt’s Wits. He got the upper hand on me twice last year‚ and I want to rectify that‚” Kerr concluded.

Wits suffered a second straight league defeat for the first time this season when they were beaten 1-0 at home by Maritzburg United in midweek. The Clever Boys have claimed 17 points from eight away matches in this campaign.

New recruit Lorenzo Gordinho is mindful of the challenge facing fifth placed Wits this weekend, as they themselves eye a return to winning ways in their pursuit of those above them on the log standings.

"We need to fight, especially after Wednesday night. We have to go there and fight, it is going to be another tough one, but the nice thing about football is that there is not too long of a turnover for you to rectify.

"We only have Thursday, Friday and then we will try and rectify the mistakes and get the win on Saturday," Gordinho said.

PLAYERS TO WATCH:

Baroka FC

Prince Nxumalo: Following his second goal in as many games against Polokwane City last weekend, Nxumalo will be hoping for a return to the starting XI for a shot at his former club. Nxumalo left the Clever Boys after just two months at the club and will thus be eager to prove a point.

Denwin Farmer: The former SuperSport United centre-back has taken up a lot of responsibility in Polokwane and will be put to the test against a dangerous Clever Boys attack. If he puts in a good shift along with Elvis Chipezeze in goal for the hosts, it could be a frustrating day for Wits and good day for Bakgaga.

Bidvest Wits

Cole Alexander: The hard-working, tough tackling midfielder will have a key role to play between attack and defence on his return to the Limpopo province. Alexander really made a name for himself in Polokwane, but has gone from strength to strength in a Wits jersey, establishing himself as an integral member of the squad.

Deon Hotto: The Namibia international was only used from the bench in midweek following 120 minutes in the club's Nedbank Cup win over Orlando Pirates. His importance to Wits' cause was highlighted in his second-half display and the Clever Boys look a better team with him on the pitch. With 10 goal contributions this season, he is an important attacking threat for the Braamfontein-based club.