Wits, Celtic battle for TKO glory

Bidvest Wits and Bloemfontein Celtic will do battle for the right to be crowned 2017 Telkom Knockout champions when they lock horns in the final of this year’s competition at the Princess Magogo Stadium in KwaMashu on Saturday evening.

The Clever Boys have endured a terrible start to their league campaign, but have got things right in the TKO thus far and progressed to their first League Cup final since 2011 after overcoming Free State Stars, Baroka FC and Kaizer Chiefs in the first three rounds of the competition.

Last season’s Absa Premiership and MTN8 champions are aiming to clinch what would be a third League Cup title, to add to the trophies they won in 1985 and 1995.

Siwelele won their only Telkom Knockout title five years ago, beating Mamelodi Sundowns in the 2012 showpiece.

Phunya Sele Sele will be aiming to add to that triumph following victories over SuperSport United, Platinum Stars and Polokwane City - the first and third matches were decided by post-match penalties, as they now set their sights on holding the TKO title aloft once more.

This TKO final will be the 11th cup meeting between Wits and Celtic since 1985. The first 10 were dominated by the Clever Boys, who claimed eight outright wins (plus one via penalties) and suffered just one defeat.

The teams’ last knockout clash was in the first round of the 2016 Nedbank Cup, with the Johannesburg side winning 1-0 at home thanks to a goal from striker James Keene, who helped the club into the showpiece with a headed goal against the Amakhosi in the semifinals of this year’s competition.

Phunya Sele Sele and Bidvest Wits have been regular adversaries over the years and have gone head-to-head on 66 occasions across all competitions. Their most recent clash ended in a 1-0 win for the Free State outfit in early October, thanks to a goal from Roggert Nyundu.

Amr Gamal: The Egyptian forward has had an immediate impact in Braamfontein and will now be hoping to land his first title on South African soil, following the success he achieved at Al Ahly. The mobile forward plays an integral role for Hunt’s men - not only in finishing off chances, but also in creating space in behind the defensive line. Hunt will be hoping that the forward will net another important goal as Wits eye more silverware.

Reeve Frosler: The fullback has enjoyed a stellar rise since breaking into the Clever Boys first team and will be aiming to continue that trend as the club set their sights on more silverware. Thulani Hlatshwayo and Buhle Mkhwanazi's return to fitness will come as a major boost to the club, but Frosler plays just as pivotal a role. His attacking movement not only gives the club width, but he often finds himself in goal-scoring positions within the penalty area.

Bloemfontein Celtic

Deon Hotto: The Namibian wing-wizard is Siwelele’s main source of creativity, with his speed and trickery causing South African defenders all sorts of problems. The Free State side will be looking to the wide man to spark them into life on the KwaZulu-Natal coast as they aim to bag their first piece of silverware in five years.

Patrick Tignyemb: The Phunya Sele Sele captain and undisputed No 1 goalkeeper has played an integral role in Celtic’s TKO success thus far. The Cameroon national, who has been at the club for almost a decade, will be aiming to keep a clean sheet as he aims to further enhance his status as a Celtic great. Not only does he play a key role in pulling off saves, and marshalling the defence - Tignyemb also takes it upon himself to convert from the spot if the game were to go the distance!