Hunt’s men at their Wits’ end after goalless draw with Team of Choice

WITS’ woeful start in to their Absa Premiership title defence continued yesterday when they shared the spoils against a struggling Maritzburg United side at Harry Gwala Stadium in Pietermaritzburg.

The two teams played out to a boring 0-0 stalemate in very chilly weather. Wits have already lost six matches, drawn three times, and registered only two victories this season.

Gavin Hunt has refused to throw in the towel in Wits’ bid to retain the title, but it’s looking highly unlikely. Yesterday they lacked aggression, agency and creativity. Their next assignment is the Telkom Knockout final against Bloemfontein Celtic at Princess Magogo Stadium on Saturday in Kwamashu, and they’ll have to win that if they are to get any confidence back.

Both coaches yesterday made changes to their teams that played midweek in league matches, Hunt making five to the team that lost 2-0 against Mamelodi Sundowns at home.

Rheece Frosler made way for Nazeer Allie, Steven “Schillo” Pienaar took the place of Xola Mlambo, Gerald Phiri started in the place of Puleng Tlhone while Amr Gamal was sacrificed for Eleazar Rodgers.

Thulani Hlatshwayo made his comeback after missing out in the last couple of matches through injury.

Fladu Davids made two changes. Lebo Maboe and Fortune Makaringe started on the bench with Bandile Shandu and Yazid Atouba taking their places on the field.

Maritzburg United enjoyed a good first half with Evans Rusike causing a lot of trouble for the Wits defence.

Bevan Fransman was unlucky after his well timed header hit the crossbar and was cleared by Phumlani Ntshangase. Apart from that opportunity there wasn’t much to write about, although Delion Mekoa nearly put the Team of Choice ahead only for Darren Keet to make a telling save to the deny the left footer.