Bidvest Wits edged out Polokwane City 1-0 in Absa Premiership match at the Old Peter Mokaba Stadium on Wednesday evening.

The victory saw the Clever Boys join Kaizer Chiefs at the top of the league standings, while Rise and Shine slipped down to third place on the table.

The Rise and Shine searched for an early goal which would have unsettled the Clever Boys’ defence.

However, Wits’ defence, which was marshalled by Thulani Hlatshwayo, stood firm in the opening stages of the match.

Wits grew into the game with Gift Motupa working hard in attack as the forward looked to put the hosts into the lead.

The visitors managed to open the scoring on the stroke of halftime through Namibia international Deon Hotto, with Motupa grabbing an assist.

The left-footed winger beat Polokwane goalkeeper George Chigova to make it 1-0 to Wits heading into the halftime break.

Polokwane coach Zlatko Krmpotic decided to make a change 10 minutes after the restart as the hosts looked to level matters.

Ineffective midfielder Sibusiso Hlubi was replaced by Charlton Mashumba, who is an experienced Zimbabwean striker.

Wits continued to attack in search of more goals against the hosts, with Mxolisi Macuphu having replaced Carl Lark in the attack.

Polokwane and Wits launched attacks in the closing stages of the game as they searched for a late goal.

However, the goal never came and ultimately, Wits ran out 1-0 winners over Polokwane on the night.

Polokwane 0

Polokwane City: Chigova, Mvelase (Mphambaniso 87'), Hlongwane, Mbonani, Motloung, Manaka, Mngomezulu (Nku 63'), Chauke, Anas, Maluleke, Hlubi (Mashumba 55')

Bidvest Wits: Petersen, Hlatshwayo, Hotto, Nange, Mkhwanazi, Ritchie, Alexander, Doutie (Nonyane 90'+3) Macheke, Motupa (Domingo 74'), Lark (Machupu 62').