Malajila pulls a masterstoke

Wits’ supersub sinks Pirates, thanks to a clever move by Hunt

Friday May 5 2017 It takes a good coach to guide a team to the championship and Bidvest Wits’ mentor Gavin Hunt could be that man this season.

Wits struggled to break down the defence of Orlando Pirates in last night’s encounter, but succeeded in the end with a 1-0 scoreline thanks to Hunt’s astuteness.

As the two sides went into the break deadlocked, Hunt took aside striker Cuthbert Malajila, who started on the bench and offered him some instructions.

When the two teams came out for the second half, Sifiso Myeni was sacrificed for Malajila.

It was clear that Hunt needed someone deadly in the box and he was proved right when the Zimbabwean needed just 12 minutes in the second half to score past keeper Siyabonga Mpontshane.

Had it not been for Hunt’s thinking this game could have easily ended in goalless draw, but the three-time Absa Premeirship winning coach proved his worth to help put Wits in the driving seat in the race for the coveted league title.

Hunt, however, also had some nervous moments and will be concerned that his defence was breached at times when Pirates created some decent chances that they failed to put away.

Bucs left-back Patrick Phungwayo was allowed into the box early in the second half, but Thabo Rakhale was too late at the far post and saw his attempt go wide.

Wits, though, defended well more often than not.

It’s now very much in Wits’ hands with four matches remaining.

As for Pirates, the fight to finish in the top eight continues after another insipid performance.