Sunday World (South Africa)

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- SOCCER REPORTER

BIDVEST Wits strolled into the MTN8 final last night with an opportunit­y to win the top eight competitio­n for the first time since 1995.

After taking a 3-0 lead against Cape Town City in the first leg semifinal in Johannesbu­rg last weekend, the Clever Boys arrived in the Mother City for a clash that felt more like a training session for the visitors.

The Clever Boys dominated possession and constantly found a chink in the City armour like a hot knife through butter, but there were no goals at the end of a one-sided affair.

Wits coach Gavin Hunt is under pressure to win a trophy in his fourth season with the club. He has signed some of the best players in the country and management will be expecting him to finally deliver some silverware after falling short in previous seasons.

The MTN8 will give him an opportunit­y to win a trophy early in the season and ease the pressure on his shoulders. But they would have to improve in front of goal if they are to win the competitio­n.

The Clever Boys really should have hammered City. They had so many opportunit­ies in front of goal, but were guilty of being wasteful. In fact, Wits looked complacent a lot of the time and this frustrated Hunt on the touchline. He just could not believe what he was seeing and his facial expression told the story.

Elias Pelembe, Gabadinho Mhango, Eleazar Rodgers, Thabang Monare and Daine Klate all had chances in front of goal, but none of them tested City goalkeeper ShuAib Walters in the first half.

It was the same story in the second half. Not even the introducti­on of Cuthbert Malajila and Sifiso Myeni made a difference for Wits.

City were a much better team in the second period after lying down and playing dead in the first half, but they were just not good enough to break through the Wits defence.

Mamelodi Sundowns will host Chippa United in the second leg semifinal at Lucas Moripe Stadium on Wednesday.

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