Move may be clever call for Wits’ strugglers
Having won a historic Absa Premiership title in the 2016/17 season, the just-concluded campaign was not so kind to Bidvest Wits after their worst finish in the last five seasons.
In the wake of their 2-0 defeat to champions Mamelodi Sundowns in April, Wits coach Gavin Hunt threatened to make wholesale changes.
The Students have already parted ways with veteran goalkeeper Moeneeb Josephs, who has joined AmaZulu. By the look of things, the following players may also have to seek greener pastures and more game time elsewhere:
Ben Motshwari
Motshwari has been on the radar of Orlando Pirates for a while now. The fact that the Randfontein-born midfielder played only nine league matches last season further casts doubts on his future at Wits.
Eleazar Rodgers
The arrival of Lehlohonolo Majoro from Cape Town City in December made things difficult for Rodgers, with Hunt preferring James Keene and Majoro in the attack.
Rodgers is said to be eager to find a team where he will get more game time, having registered 15 appearances for the Clever Boys last season.
Daine Klate
Klate has been linked to Chippa United. Judging by his minimal role in the past term, it won’t be a surprise to see the veteran winger leave Wits. He started only 10 of the 17 league matches he featured in last season.
Vincent Pule
Hunt confirmed that Pule had already penned a pre-contract with one of the country’s “big clubs”. Initially the speedy winger was rumoured to be on his way to Kaizer Chiefs but apparently Pirates could be about to unveil the 22-year-old.
Phumlani Ntshangase
Ntshangase has always been linked with a move away from Wits but still stayed put.
However, the Umlazi, Durban-born midfielder now appears more likely to leave. It’s believed that the 23-year-old has not recovered from the errors he committed against Sundowns in their 2-0 loss. He did not play after that game.