Draw hurts Wits' league ambitions

Neither Platinum Stars nor Bidvest Wits were in a generous mood as they played out to a stalemate yesterday.

Victory for the Clever Boys would have reduced the gap between them and Chiefs to 11 points and guaranteed they remained in second place for at least another week.

But Wits hardly lit up yesterday despite the fact that they had more in their tank than hosts Dikwena. The Clever Boys had the luxury of influential players Sibusiso Vilakazi, the reigning footballer of the year, Jabulani Shongwe, Vincent Pule and their central pairing of Thulani Hlatshwayo and Buhle Mkhwanazi to keep it water- tight at the back. Dikwena were without talisman Robert Ng'ambi, who was injured.

Keepers Moeneeb Josephs and Kabelo Dambe would have been forgiven for bringing picnic baskets to work.

And when Dikwena finally got clear-cut chances, they lacked firepower upfront. Mahlatse Makudubela did all the hard work on the left flank, but was indecisive with his final ball to either Eleazar Rodgers or Ndumiso Mabena. Makudubela had the best chance but headed wide.