Wits hope to perform better at continental level

WITH a better squad this season, Bidvest Wits coach Gavin Hunt has said he can manage continental competition better and put out stronger teams without committing completely to go for it in the Caf Champions League.

Wits raised eyebrows with their weak exits fielding under-strength teams from the Caf Confederation Cup in the past two years.

Two seasons ago they lost on penalties against Swazi side Royal Leopards‚ blowing a 3-0 first-leg lead in the opening round.

Last season, Wits went a round further, but crumbled 3-0 at home to Tanzanian club Azam‚ eventually losing 7-3 on aggregate.

This has stood in stark contrast to Mamelodi Sundowns becoming the first South African club to win the more prestigious Caf Champions League since 1995 last year.

Hunt said in the past two seasons, Wits were too thin and had to prioritise domestic ambitions.

“We never had the players. We don’t buy – we work in a free-loan market‚” Hunt said.

“I can’t buy Khama Billiat and Keagan Dolly. Sundowns can, and they should be doing that. The three big South Africa clubs should be able to play across all fronts.”

Apart from the superior resources at Sundowns‚ coach Pitso Mosimane could afford to throw everything into the Champions League last season‚ backed by having already won a league title.

In contrast‚ Hunt has yet to win the league at Wits‚ and the club have been skittish in their approach to continental competition.

Still‚ with a month to go to Wits’ Champions League opener against SS Saint-Louisienne of Reunion‚ Hunt said with a stronger squad Wits could afford to be competitive domestically and continentally.