Sowetan

Wits now in Hunt for continenta­l success

But coach calls for improved squad to secure CAF glory

- By Gomolemo Motshwane

With three PSL clubs having reached CAF finals in recent years, Bidvest Wits coach Gavin Hunt admits that the motivation for continenta­l success is growing.

Over the last four years Orlando Pirates, Mamelodi Sundowns and SuperSport United have reached either the CAF Confederat­ion Cup or Champions League final.

Most recently, Hunt’s former side SuperSport lost the Confed Cup final to TP Mazembe.

“I certainly feel there is a big push to do well there. That’s something we will tackle in January and February, we will see with the draw,” Hunt said.

Almost making a plea to Wits management for the resources to compete in the African tournament­s, Hunt said: “But we need to have a squad for that. Last year we were very unlucky in Africa, we lost to finalists Al Ahly playing a third team. To be fair the clubs I’ve worked for don’t want to be in Africa (CAF club competitio­ns).”

Hunt steered bottom-of-thePremier­ship table Wits to the Telkom Knockout title after a 1-0 win over Bloemfonte­in Celtic on Saturday.

He is now the second coach behind Pitso Mosimane of Sundowns to win every domestic title in the PSL.

His immediate objective though is to get a positive result against Ajax Cape Town in a relegation scrap at Bidvest Stadium on Wednesday.

“We will try to juggle the squad a bit for Wednesday and see what condition we are in. The team has good togetherne­ss and determinat­ion. And that is always the thing that worries when you are bottom of the table, but we are together, we are fine.”

The former Moroka Swallows and Black Leopards mentor hinted the title would be won either by SuperSport or Sundowns this season.

“I don’t think anyone will get 60 points, but maybe SuperSport and Sundowns can because they are in a good position and have the squads. The rest of us will play catch-up.”

‘ ‘ I certainly feel there is a big push to do well there

 ?? / ABBEY SEBETHA / BAKONEPIX ?? Wits players celebrate after winning the Telkom Knockout against Bloemfonte­in Celtic at Princes Magogo Stadium in KwaMashu, Durban, on Saturday.
/ ABBEY SEBETHA / BAKONEPIX Wits players celebrate after winning the Telkom Knockout against Bloemfonte­in Celtic at Princes Magogo Stadium in KwaMashu, Durban, on Saturday.

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