Johannesburg – Wits coach Gavin Hunt says Kaizer Chiefs have all but wrapped-up the premiership title this season, predicting successive league titles for the Soweto giants.
Third-placed Wits were held to a goalless draw by university rivals Tuks on Wednesday night, while at the same time Chiefs grabbed two late goals to successfully negotiate past Ajax Cape Town in Polokwane.
“Yes it's over. It's been over for the last three or four games already. I've always said that,” Hunt said after Wits's draw in Pretoria.
“The points difference is too big. They would have to hit a brick wall, which I don't think they'll do.
“They're rolling now, they're grinding out results and they've ground out results. That's what you need to do to win leagues, so all credit to them.”
Chiefs have opened a six point lead over second-placed Mamelodi Sundowns, while Wits now trail the defending champions by 11
points, prompting Hunt to rule out title honours, but added that second place was still up for grabs.
Despite a late barrage on the AmaTuks goal-box, the Clever Boys had to settle for a share of the spoils as Tuks held on for a point, leaving a deflated Hunt lamenting a lack of ruthlessness in front of goal.
The Students enjoyed the lion's share of possession but were unable to capitalise as Tuks packed their defence and continued to be solid at home, where they have earned 23 points out of a possible 36.
“To be fair, we should have won the game comfortably. Both halves we dominated, the score could have been anything,” Hunt said.
“Games like this tonight, this is what wins leagues and even the game against Free State Stars on Saturday.
“That’s how you win leagues, you have to beat the teams at the bottom of the league and we haven't done that much this season.”
Wits were humbled by lowly Stars over the weekend, adding pressure to Wednesday's outing as the Johannesburg side looked to get their hunt for a late push for the title back on track.
A former three-time premiership champion while in charge of SuperSport United four years ago, Hunt said he was confident Wits would still be in the running for the Nedbank Cup, while hopes of a place in the Caf Champions League or Confederations Cup remains the club's biggest target.
“I know what it takes to win leagues and trophies. I know what we need and don't need and I think we're a little bit short.
“The players have done magnificently well but we are a little bit short of what we need in certain areas.
“The season's not over, we'll keep going. We're still in the Cup but I want to get into Africa, that's got to be the focus, so a top three spot is where we need to be.” – Sapa