Go out and have fun, urges Hunt
THREE WINS WILL CLINCH TITLE FOR WITS Leftback Sifiso Hlanti suspended for Stars showdown.
Gavin Hunt has called on his Bidvest Wits players to enjoy the moment as they attempt to seal the Absa Premiership title in their final three league games.
The Clever Boys know that victories over Free State Stars in Bethlehem this evening, against Polokwane City at home on May 17 and in their final game at Kaizer Chiefs on May 27, will guarantee them their first Premiership crown.
Hunt’s side maintained a threepoint lead over Mamelodi Sundowns on Sunday with a 1-0 win over Maritzburg United, but the Wits coach was not entirely happy.
“It is in our hands, we must just be careful to enjoy it, that is the most important thing,” said Hunt.
“I have been in this situation before, where the enjoyment goes and it is just a grind, it was a bit of a grind today, we need to enjoy ourselves more and play … we have three huge games coming up.”
Playing free-flowing football may be tricky for Wits, however, this evening at Goble Park, at a venue where they have won only once during Hunt’s tenure, way back in October 2013.
“Every game is difficult now, I won’t say just Free State Stars,” said midfielder Phumlani Ntshangase.
“We know them, they know us, we are fighting for the league and everyone wants to beat us. We have to go there and fight and do all we can to get the three points.”
Wits will have to cope without leftback Sifiso Hlanti for this evening’s game, after he picked up his fourth booking of the season against United on Sunday.
“All season we have had only one leftback,” said Hunt.
“We are struggling, but we will make a plan.”
Wits do, however, have winger Daine Klate available again after serving a two-match ban.
Free State Stars, for their part, are scrapping to avoid relegation, and are also desperate for the points this evening
Serame Letsoaka’s side, who have gone five league matches since their last win, will be without suspended midfielder Nhlanhla Vilakazi.