DURBAN – 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.
While these clubs have their focus divided, Wits are focused solely 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 a possible 21 at home this season.
⚽️ Final fixture for 2018! ⚽️
Let’s end it strong 💪 at the top of the log!
🔵⚪️ Wits vs Chippa 🌶
📆 Friday | 21 December
⏰ 20:00
🏟 Bidvest Stadium #BidvestWits pic.twitter.com/nEvP4jzFqk
— Bidvest Wits (@BidvestWits) December 19, 2018
“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, scoring three goals, with five assists, and is expected to be instrumental once again against Chippa on Friday.
“He has a lot to improve on. He is not yet there,” Hunt said.
Wits will be looking to go three points clear of second-placed Pirates on the log. “We haven’t been consistent. We need to be more consistent with the results and our performances,” Hunt concluded.
@Minenhlecr7