It's now or never for Clever Boys

Phumlani Ntshangase and Phakamani Mahlambi left the pitch at Goble Park in tears on Wednesday last week after losing 3-1 to Free State Stars.

But by the time Bidvest Wits left the town of Bethlehem, both were smiling again. Their smiles came from the belief that they were still destined to be Absa Premiership champions for the first time in their lives and in the club's history.

That was after they heard the news that Mamelodi Sundowns had dropped two vital points after playing to a 2-2 draw against Baroka FC, conceding an injury-time penalty.

Ntshangase said: "That loss hurt us a lot. We were emotional not just because we had lost but because we knew the feeling of losing the league at this time. It happened to us last season. We weren't hurt just for the club and the fans, but also for ourselves because winning the league is our dream.

"We thought that we had lost it because we thought there was no way Sundowns would not beat Baroka, especially at this stage."

Losing the league would hurt a lot for star midfielder Ntshangase because he has been part of the Wits team that has transformed in the past three seasons from a mid-table side to league contenders who even play consistently in the CAF Champions League.

The Clever Boys are guaranteed to return to the Champions League next season as they will finish in the top two. But they don't just want to finish in the top two, they want to finish first.

"That loss [to Stars] was a wake-up call for us," Ntshangase said. "We almost lost something that was in our hands.

"What hurt the most from that loss is that we knew that we always struggle in Bethlehem but there was a belief that we could change things around that day.

"When we left Bethlehem, there was a strong belief that this is the season we will win the league. We will make sure that we don't lose to Polokwane City and Kaizer Chiefs."

Limpopo's Rise and Shine are Wits' opponents at Bidvest Stadium tonight. The Brazilians are also hosting Maritzburg United.

Both matches kick off at 7.30pm.

"The stars have been aligned for us to get this trophy; all we have to do is fight hard and show that we want it," Ntshangase said. "There is no point in just saying we want the league. We know that we're this close to a moment that will change our lives. It's all in our hands."

- TMG Digital/TMG Sport

DOWNS LOOKING UP

Pitso Mosimane said Mamelodi Sundowns' slow start in the CAF Champions League applied to their inconsistent league campaign this season as well.

A hectic schedule and not wearing their ruthless streak has taken the sting out of the Brazilians. That has seen them hand the advantage to Bidvest Wits in the race for the PSL title.

The Clever Boys are two points ahead going into their last two games against Polokwane City and Kaizer Chiefs.

The Brazilians' remaining matches are against Maritzburg United and Highlands Park.

Sundowns take on Maritzburg United tonight.

Mosimane and his charges know what they have to do.

"It's a must-win. If you don't win that one forget [about the league title].

"If you don't win then you will hope that others don't," he said.

- TMG Digital/TMG Sport