Sipho Mthembu

Sipho Mthembu

Last season Bidvest Wits spoiled the party when they beat Orlando Pirates 3-2 in the last game of the season, denying them a spot in the CAF Confederation Cup.

The Students had stolen a point from the Bucs in the first round in a locked-out home match and they have vowed they are not letting up just yet.

Word from Milpark is that coach Roger de Sa intends to unleash his newly recruited pair of "Big Animals" up front - David Radebe, who was signed for R500000 from Kaizer Chiefs and Dale Studzinski, who was signed earlier from Platinum Stars.

The duo's height could deceive some into thinking De Sa would be fielding the same type of player but Radebe is a runner and will complement Studzinski, the target man.

The Students have made other good signings overall like Neil Winstanley and Bienvenue Tipa who should make them a stronger proposition than last season.

The Brazilian twosome of Pepe de Jesus and Julio Danilo are also fit and so are Moeneeb Josephs, Noah Chivuta, Tyren Manuel, Rene Richards and Almiro Lobo among others.

And Wits team manager George Mogotsi is not subjective when he says: "We are stronger than last season. Pirates have signed some good players and we are looking forward to a good game. More than anything, though, a good result."

Pirates have made some good acquisitions but have similarly been hit by a burgeoning list of injuries. Players like Destin Makita and Ralph Matema have responded to treatment but will Bibey Mutombo be tempted to risk them ahead of a gruelling SAA Supa 8 semifinal against SuperSport United in Durban next Thursday.

Does Mutombo dump the likes of Paulos Masehe and Bongani Cashibe, who came on and did well last weekend, or elevate the likes of Happy Jele, Tonic Chabalala, the recovered Teboho Mashaba and Luntu Mazana.

"We have spoken about depth and cover and I think the coach will be looking at displaying that on Saturday," said Bucs' senior official Floyd Mbele.

All said, Wits are still favourites.