Wits boss facing a ‘threadbare’ safari

Gavin Hunt believes South African sides will have a better chance of winning the Caf Champions League, once it lines up with the local football calendar.

Hunt’s side face Primeiro de Agosto of Angola in the first leg of their first round Caf Champions League qualifier in Luanda this afternoon, with the winners getting a prized place in the group stages of the competition.

Mamelodi Sundowns won the Champions League in 2016, but are the only South African team to have won it since the domestic league aligned itself with the European football calendar.

The Confederation of African Football (Caf) calendar currently runs from February to November, creating a major problem for Absa Premiership sides in the off-season, as players come and go.

From next year, however, Caf are changing their calendar, and their club competitions will run from September/October to May of the following year.

“Whoever gets in next year (to the Caf competitions), they will be able to have a squad that is more settled,” said Hunt this week.

Wits will go into this tie in Luanda with a slightly threadbare squad, with injuries, a suspension and registration issues all playing a part.

Hunt's side have registered new signings like Lehlohonolo Majoro (right) and Edwin Gyimah for the competition, but midfielder Cole Alexander is not available, having not been signed in time.

Wits have also lost midfielder Xola Mlambo, who has joined Orlando Pirates.