Hunt’s eyes on local prize
But he wants his high-flying side to make it back into the continental competitions
BIDVEST Wits are not involved in any continental competitions this season and they are sitting on top of the Absa Premiership standings.
Does that makes them the favourites to lift the league title at the end of the season? Clever Boys coach Gavin Hunt is not of that opinion.
“Not really. We also want to play every week. We want to be in these continental competitions. They get everyone in the squad ready,” Hunt said.
Orlando Pirates, Mamelodi Sundowns and Kaizer Chiefs are flying the South African flag high in the Confederation of African Football competitions.
The Buccaneers and the Brazilians are participating in the CAF Champions League while Amakhosi are taking part in the CAF Confederation Cup.
Wits and Pirates are tied on 27 points, Wits leading the way due to their better goal difference. Sundowns are fourth with 22 points, while Chiefs are sixth on the log with 21 points.
Pirates and Sundowns are on the verge of reaching the group stage of the Champions League, while Amakhosi are also set to reach the play-off stages of the Confederation Cup.
Chiefs will travel to Elgeco Plus of Madagascar with a commanding 3-0 lead having thumped the Islanders in the first leg of the first round at Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban on Saturday.
However, the Buccaneers failed to beat Namibia’s African Stars at Orlando Stadium in Soweto last weekend after a 0-0 draw. They visit Stars in the return leg on Saturday.
Sundowns also shared the spoils away from home in Egypt again Al-Ahly Benghazi in a 0-0 stalemate. They will be looking to wrap up the game at Lucas Moripe Stadium on Sunday.
While these clubs have their focus divided, Wits are focused soley on domestic competitions. On Friday, they will face Chippa United at Bidvest Stadium (8pm).
“We haven’t done well at home this season. We have dropped points that we shouldn’t have dropped in the last couple of matches. We have to change that. We want to finish the league on the high note,” Hunt said.
Wits have really struggled at home this season. They have suffered three defeats while they have won three games and shared the spoils on one occasion. Last week they surrendered a 2-0 lead to play out to a 2-2 stalemate against Golden Arrows. The likes of Free State Stars, Polokwane City and Bloemfontein Celtic have defeated Wits in their own territory. Wits have collected a mere 10 points out of the possible 21 at home this season.
“Chippa United have a lot of good players and it won’t be an easy game,” Hunt said as he acknowledged the challenge that is ahead of his troops.
Deon Hotto has been the best signing for Wits. He has played a pivotal role in their good start to the league. Hotto has featured in 14 league matches. He has netted three goals and has five assists.
“He has a lot to improve on. He is not yet there,” Hunt said.
Hotto is expected to be instrumental once again against Chippa on Friday.
Wits will be looking to go three points clear of secondplaced Pirates on the log.
“We haven’t been consistent. We need to be more consistent with the results and our performances.” Hunt concluded.