All about a slice of history as Wits face Chiefs

Bidvest Wits defender Bongani Khumalo (right) says the Telkom Knockout Cup is an opportunity for him and his team-mates to once again write their names in the club’s history books when they face Kaizer Chiefs in the semifinals of the competition at the Bidvest Stadium today.

The Clever Boys made history last season by winning the Absa Premiership for the first time in the club’s 96-year existence. And now Wits have another chance to make history by winning the TKO for the first time since the competition started in 2006.

They came close to winning in 2011, but they ended up losing 3-1 to Orlando Pirates in the final at the Moses Mabhida Stadium.

“It is such a great opportunity to be a part of history at this club. Obviously winning the league last season for the first time and now hopefully the Telkom Knockout, it is a great opportunity to have something to celebrate and go into the club’s history books,” said the central defender.

Wits, however, have failed to live up to expectations this season that saw them being crowned league champions and winning the MTN8. The Clever Boys are currently lying second from the bottom of the league standings despite managing to reach the semifinals of the TKO.

With such an unconvincing start to the season, particularly in the league, Khumalo is eager to see the team start picking up form. But he says such things happen in football and it is up to the players to make it their mission to change the situation.

“Football is about moments, you go through good and bad. And we went through good and bad last season. Unfortunately, looking at our position in the league this season, you would say we have gone through more of the bad than good.

“It is about time that we turn things around and it is up to us to make sure we put in the work that we need to make that change and make sure we progress going forward.”