Hunt hoping to set up Al-Ahly showdown

Jonty Mark

Given the criticism Bidvest Wits have taken for their performances in continental club football over the past couple of years, it is perhaps understandable that Gavin Hunt (right) is still a bit touchy on the matter.

Hunt’s Wits head into their Champions League opener against AS Saint Louisienne tomorrow in Reunion carrying with them the reputation of not taking these competitions seriously.

Against Royal Leopards of Swaziland in the preliminary round of the 2015 Caf Confederation Cup a severely weakened Clever Boys side blew a 3-0 lead from the first leg. And last year, another weakened side lost the home leg of the second qualifier 3-0 to Tanzania’s Azam FC.

All eyes will now be on the side Hunt picks in Reunion, and whether the Champions League brings a more concerted effort. Wits certainly have the advantage of a far stronger squad.

“I have (Cuthbert) Malajila, I have (Daine) Klate, I have Xola Mlambo, I have (Ben) Motshwari,” said Hunt, pointing out those who started on the bench in Tuesday’s 5-0 hammering of Ajax Cape Town.

Wits should have too much for the side from Reunion, just as they did for the Seychelles’ Light Stars in the preliminary round of last year’s Confederation Cup, thumping them 9-0 on aggregate.

If Wits win they will face Egyptian giants Al-Ahly for a place in the group stages. The format of the Champions League has changed this year, with just two qualifying rounds heading into four groups of four teams,

Even if Wits were to lose to AlAhly, they would enter a play-off round for the group stages of the Caf Confederation Cup.

“It is much closer now,” admitted Hunt.

“If you win the first round you are in the Confederation Cup even if you lose in the second round, and if you win the second round you are in the Champions League (group stages).”

The Wits coach faced Al-Ahly with SuperSport United in the 2011 Caf Champions League, losing 2-1 on aggregate in the qualifying rounds.

“We should have beaten them, we were the better team and lost by the odd goal,” recalled the Wits coach.