Vilakazi’s coach challenge
BIDVEST Wits playmaker Sibusiso Vilakazi says his lovehate relationship with coach Gavin Hunt is pushing him to greater heights.
It’s a mark of a good player that he lifts his game when the chips are down. Vilakazi’s hattrick to steer 10-man Wits to a dramatic 3-2 victory against SuperSport United was followed by an assertive performance in the 3-1 win against Mamelodi Sundowns. Both were at Bidvest Stadium, where Wits are yet to lose.
The big wins against their fellow Absa Premiership challengers see “The Students” in joint second place, nine points behind leaders Kaizer Chiefs, with a game in hand. Despite his form, Vilakazi struggles to draw praise from ultraperfectionist Hunt.
“I think I’m quite tough on myself too,” the playmaker says. “If I don’t do well, I sit at home and it doesn’t stay well.
“The coach and I agree on the same things. I honestly believe sometimes I don’t play very well and can do more. I think it takes a lot of belief, which I’m working on.
“The relationship with the coach is good. If I say I’ll give him two, he says ‘no, give me three’. It’s a challenge, and it works on your mentality.
“It’s a love-hate relationship. Truthfully, even with the hattrick against SuperSport, I felt I could have done more.”
Vilakazi says Chiefs will be tough to catch, even though Stuart Baxter’s men have a potentially gruelling schedule now, thanks to their participation in the Caf Champions League.
Chiefs’ ability win, taking their chances in games they might not play well in, is a concern for the chasing teams.
“Chiefs have put themselves in a good position. I think the players who are still there from winning it last season have been a big factor.
“They know what to do and the coach knows whom to pick. That hunger is still there because, when you win something, you want to have that feeling again.”