Wits miss ‘home’, but still get results

GAVIN HUNT admitted that his Bidvest Wits side found it a bit difficult playing in Dobsonville Stadium as their alternative home venue on Tuesday night.

Not that the coach wasn’t pleased with how his team played in that encounter. After all, their 1-0 victory over Chippa United added to their impeccable unbeaten home record in the Absa Premiership this season. But the Clever Boys coach lamented the condition of the pitch which was nothing like the perfect one they are used to playing on at Bidvest Stadium.

Wits were forced to play their home game in Dobsonville due to the ongoing “Fees Must Fall” student protests at Wits University.

“It’s been difficult,” Hunt said. “The last time we played at our home venue was back in August. People don’t understand what we have achieved (by winning their home match playing in an alternative venue). For example, the grass here is so thick and heavy compared to the one at Wits. That made it difficult for us to move the ball around. However, I’m happy with the way we played, especially in the second period. We created so many chances and I’m glad we were able to walk away three points.”

Although Wits are unbeaten in their last six games in the league, the coach feels they still have a long way to go.

“This team hasn’t played to its full potential yet,” Hunt said. “We had one or two matches where I thought we were outstanding. For example, we played really well in the MTN8 final (against Mamelodi Sundowns). Other than that, we’ve been patchy and that needs to change. I believe we’ll get better with time.”

Meanwhile, the Clever Boys coach revealed that Phakamani Mahlambi has resumed training with the first team. The 19-year-old suffered a knee injury early in the year and missed the Rio Olympics. He was expected to be out for a lengthy period but Hunt might even field him before the season goes into the festive and Africa Cup of Nations-induced recess.

“Phakamani is looking sharp,” the 52-year old coach said. “He was supposed to be out for nine months but he’s already started training with us. It looks like he’ll start playing in February next year. But then again, who knows? We might even field him in one of our matches in December for at least 20 minutes or so. We’ll have to wait and see.”