Hunt’s rotation keeps Wits players fresh

With Bidvest Wits juggling both the Caf Champions League and the race for the Absa Premiership title, midfielder Ben Motshwari says coach Gavin Hunt has managed to make things easy for the team by rotating the squad in both competitions.

Motshwari, who was one of the club’s consistent performers last season, has not played a league match this year but has been doing duty for the club in the Champions League, playing in the both legs of the preliminary round tie against Reunion club Saint Louisienne. Wits won 3-1 at the Bidvest Stadium on Saturday evening to complete a 4-3 aggregate victory.

“There has to be a balance in the team,” said Motshwari. “We are concentrating on the league and Champions League. It is a good thing that we have a squad which is full of quality and hard-working players to challenge for every title in our path. There is also the Nedbank Cup coming soon, so we have to always be fresh and ready for the games.”

The win against Saint Louisienne saw Wits book a date with Egyptian giants Al-Ahly. The sides will play each other over two legs in March with the prize for the winner a place in the Champions League group stages, expanded to 16 teams this year.

“We are happy to have gone through to the next round, even though it was not easy after losing the first leg. We all know Al-Ahly won’t be easy, but we will prepare well for the game in order to ensure that we get the result we want,” added Motshwari.

Next up for Wits is a league clash with Baroka FC at the Bidvest Stadium tomorrow.