Bidvest Wits powered past a disjointed Kaizer Chiefs in an imposing manner that belied a 2-1 scoreline in the teams’ season-opening Premier Soccer League match-up at Bidvest Stadium on Tuesday night.

Headed goals by Elias Pelembe in the 35th minute and Thulani Hlatshwayo in the 65th put Wits ahead.

Lorenzo Gordinho headed one back for Chiefs in the 82nd as Amakhosi got into gear late.

If this game is a sign of the season to come‚ we are in for a cracking 2016-17.

Chiefs coach Steve Komphela wants his side to play football this season.

Bidvest Stadium against Gavin Hunt’s physically monstrous‚ excellently drilled and trophy-hungry Wits was not the opening stage to display that.

Chiefs have a long way to go looking or performing as title material‚ on last night’s underwhelming display.

Wits‚ on the early evidence‚ have all the potential to improve on their finishes of third‚ third and second under Hunt.

As has been the case for Chiefs at Bidvest Stadium‚ they struggled in the first half with Wits’ frenetically quick‚ robust gameplan.

The Clever Boys had all the play‚ including a penalty appeal turned down when Gordinho handled in his area.

Amakhosi could barely deal with Wits’ new Malawian striker Gabadinho Mhango‚ who side-footed Pelembe’s low cross wide.

Wits had their opener when snappy interplay on the left between Eleazar Rodgers and Sifiso Hlanti saw the latter cross and an unmarked Pelembe nod past Itumeleng Khune.

Komphela introduced Emmanuel Letlotlo for George Lebese shortly after the break as Amakhosi attempted to fight fire with fire by noticeably stepping up their pace.

But from Daine Klate’s corner Chiefs’ defence again left a player alone‚ Hlatshwayo powering in a header and Wits’ second.

Gordinho pulled one back heading in Hendrick Ekstein’s free-kick.

Moeneeb Josephs saved at Letlotlo’s feet in added time to deny Amakhosi an unlikely draw. — TMG Digital