Johannesburg – Calvin Kadi snatched an injury-time winner to help Wits to a 1-0 victory over Bloemfontein Celtic, in their final Premiership match of the season at Kaizer Sebothelo Stadium on Saturday.
During a frenetic period of play after the regulation 90 minutes, the visiting Wits team were reduced to 10 men when Benjani Mwaruwari was sent off for violent conduct.
The reduction in numbers, though, had little effect on the outcome, as Kadi went on to head the ball home to steal the honours for The Clever Boys.
Celtic came into the game intent on claiming a third win in a row to end the season, while Wits had failed to win or score in any of their last four league matches.
Wits, however, had already secured third spot on the log behind winners Mamelodi Sundowns and second-placed Kaizer Chiefs.
The Free State side, in contrast, were looking to edge Orlando Pirates in ending the season in fourth place on the table.
Instead, Celtic had to settle for sixth spot as SuperSport United also slipped ahead in the standings.
The first half failed to produce a goal, and on the hour mark Wits pressed for the opener. Tebogo Moerane sent the ball into the area for Siyabonga Nhlapo, but his attempt was saved by Celtic keeper Patrick Tignyemb.
With time running out, Lyle Lakay had a chance for the home side.
In the 64th minute, Lakay's ball into the box, though, was well-met by Wits shot-stopper Dennis Onyango.
Moments later, Onyango was fouled in the area by Lerato Lamola and could not recover after the challenge. Moeneeb Josephs was rushed onto the field in his place. – Sapa