Cape Town - Bidvest Wits captain Thulani Hlatshwayo is looking forward to renewing his partnership with central defensive partner Buhle Mkhwanazi.

Mkhwanazi underwent knee surgery in May, and after missing the start of the season he has started to make his way back into the action this month.

Although the Clever Boys have other options in the centre of their defence, Hlatshwayo, the club captain, has admitted that Mkhwanazi is his preferred partner.

"Buhle is back. Having him back is a massive boost. We have done well together [as centre-back pairing]. We started our partnership three years ago. 

"I have played with Bongani Khumalo, Slavko Damjanovic and Phumlani Ntshangase, those were temporary partnerships," Hlatshwayo said on Monday at the launch of the Walter Sisulu Soccer Challenge.

"Buhle and I have played together for a while and I am happy he is back. We have different qualities. He has attributes I do not have and the same applies to me as well," he added.

The defending league champions are struggling at the foot of the table, but have the chance to claim more silverware when they meet Bloemfontein Celtic in the Telkom Knockout final on Saturday.

Hlatshwayo remains adamant though that their league form will improve and still has hopes of challenging for the title again.

"We do not think about relegation. We do not want to experience that. We are upbeat that we will defend our league title. We just have to work hard each and every day to make sure that we get back to our best."

Kick off is at 18:00.