Wits bid to end 96-year wait

Sy Lerman

Among notable events that occurred in 1921, Spanish premier Eduardo Dato was assassinated on the steps of parliament in Madrid, British submarine K5 sank in the English Channel and Albert Einstein was awarded the Nobel Prize for physics.

Also in 1921, the Wits University football club was formed. But while continuing with a good deal of distinction since and becoming the oldest frontline club in the country during a 96-year history, the Clever Boys have yet to claim a major national league title.

“I suppose you could say we are currently in one of our best positions yet to break the bogey.” concluded CEO Jose Ferreira yesterday about the club that is currently placed second in the Absa Premiership race, but with two matches in hand are well-positioned to make up the one-point leeway on leaders Cape Town City.

Ominously, one point behind Wits, are defending champions and Caf Champions League winners Mamelodi Sundowns.

Wits play Sundowns at their compact Bidvest Stadium on May 1 and this crucial showdown could well prove a decider for league honours.

But Ferreira is quick to point out that surprise packet Cape Town City and glamour club Kaizer Chiefs remain valid contenders as well.

Points that could favour Wits’ completing a monumental and long-sought league triumph are the fact that four of their next five matches are at home and coach Gavin Hunt has a well-balanced squad with appropriate reserve back-up.

Ferreira also confirmed that Wits would also play all their remaining home matches at Milpark and not be tempted to transfer any games to stadiums with a greater crowd capacity.

“After all,” he says, “96 years is a long time. We have to do every thing within our means to end the hoodoo that is hanging over our head.”