Hlanti and Wits train sights on log leaders Sundowns
WITS fullback Sifiso Hlanti says he is more focused on helping the team win their remaining games than on contractual matters.
The club’s head coach Gavin Hunt confirmed to Business Day that the Bafana Bafana defender has signed a long-term deal with the Sturrock Park-based side.
Hunt said: ‘‘He signed, so he will be with us next season. I don’t know how long the contract is, but he will be with us. The boy has done well for us and may it long continue.”
The 25-year-old arrived in January from AmaZulu on a six-month loan agreement and in response to Hunt’s confirmation, Hlanti has shied away from discussing the contract issue at this stage.
‘‘I have been told to focus on playing football and will talk about the contract at the end of the season. They don’t want to put me under pressure,” he said.
Hlanti said the Clever Boys are taking it one game at a time, while keeping leaders Mamelodi Sundowns in their sights. Hunt’s charges are four points behind Sundowns, with four matches to go.
‘‘There is no need to put ourselves under unnecessary pressure and the most important thing at this stage is that we take it one game at a time. We have to keep the momentum going and collect maximum points,” Hlanti said.
When the two sides met earlier this season in Port Elizabeth, Wits collected maximum points after winning 3-1 and Hlanti said they are ready for Chippa. ‘‘Chippa may be playing well, but we are willing to fight. We are prepared.”
The Chilli Boys, who are seventh on the log, will be hoping that striker Lerato Manzini delivers another impressive display after his hat-trick in the 4-1 win against Platinum Stars in midweek.
Chippa captain Andile Mbenyane said his team-mates are desperate to secure a top eight finish. ‘‘It will be a dream come true for the team and our chairman (Chippa Mpengesi) if we make it into the top eight by the end of the season.”