Wits, Arrows battle for first win in PSL's bio-bubble

Bidvest Wits and Golden Arrows will do battle with the hope of securing their first win in the Premier Soccer League's (PSL) bio-bubble when they lock horns in the Absa Premiership at FNB Stadium on Tuesday afternoon.

Kick-off is at 3:30pm CAT (SA, GMT+2).

The Clever Boys recorded a second successive draw (and a third in their last four league matches) when they were held to a goalless stalemate by Orlando Pirates this past weekend.

Haashim Domingo has been one of Wits' star players this season and the midfielder has been impressed by his team's performances since football's return.

"So far we have done well, we have a good bunch of boys, professional and despite everything that has happened (with regards to the sale of the club) there is a good mentality in camp, and we've gone out there with a good attitude and intent to win," said Domingo who will reportedly join Mamelodi Sundowns at the conclusion of the current campaign.

"Golden Arrows are not an easy team to beat, we have to go out there with the same mentality and take it from there. We can't underestimate them, it won't be easy but we will be up for it.

"Of course they are going to come at us with everything, they have nothing to lose so we just have to be ready for that," he concluded.

Arrows suffered an eighth defeat of the season when they were beaten 1-0 at Stellenbosch FC in their most recent encounter, extending their winless run in the league to three matches.

Golden Arrows assistant coach Mandla Ncikazi was happy with how the team performed despite the defeat and his hopeful of getting a result against a team that has had the better of them in recent seasons.

"I think the players applied themselves very well in the game against Stellenbosch although the result didn't go our way," said Ncikazi. "But there are a lot of positives to take into the next match.

"Wits have been doing really well since the resumption of the matches and they are well coached by the experienced Gavin Hunt. Our team is well prepared for a very tough encounter, it will be morale boosting to get a result against a tough opponent, we know it won't be easy," he concluded.

When the teams met earlier this season at the Sugar Ray Xulu Stadium, Wits claimed a 1-0 away win thanks to a first-half goal from Gift Motupa. The Clever Boys are unbeaten in their last four league clashes with Abafana Bes’thende.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

BIDVEST WITS

Deon Hotto: The Namibia international has not been his normal self since football's return and has been guilty of missing a few chances in recent games. If the Clever Boys are to make a late run for the league title they will need the winger to be back at his brilliant best. Hotto has directly contributed to nine goals in the league this season, but would feel those stats are well below what he is capable of.

Cole Alexander: Arguably Wits' best player post lockdown, Alexander boasts an incredible engine. The midfielder, who has always been a tough tackler, will have clubs calling him up for his services ahead of next season -- especially if he continues to pose such a threat in the final third.

GOLDEN ARROWS

Knox Mutizwa: The Zimbabwean marksman has netted 11 goals for the club this season in 23 league matches and is one of the best strikers in the league on his day. He will be hoping to add to his tally against what is a very resolute Clever Boys defence.

Trevor Mathiane: The Arrows stalwart will have an important role to play as the KwaZulu-Natal club eye a return to winning ways. Mathiane has been ever present for Arrows this season and will have to be at his very best to keep out what has looked a dangerous Wits attack despite the lack of recent goals.

HEAD-TO-HEAD:

Last 10 league results

Season Result Scorers

2013/14 Arrows 0-1 Wits Ngcobo
2015/16 Wits 3-2 Arrows Mahlambi, Klate 2; Hotto, Khenyeza
2015/16 Arrows 0-1 Wits Hlanti
2016/17 Arrows 0-0 Wits
2016/17 Wits 3-0 Arrows Mhango (pen); Ngele 2
2017/18 Wits 1-3 Arrows Gamal; Lamola, Nkombelo, Sibiya
2017/18 Arrows 1-2 Wits Mzava (pen); Mhango, Majoro (pen)
2018/19 Wits 2-2 Arrows Murray (pen), Motupa; Parusnath, Jooste (pen)
2018/19 Arrows 0-1 Wits Mhango
2019/20 Arrows 0-1 Wits Motupa