Bidvest Wits coach Gavin Hunt is hoping for some late drama in the Absa Premiership title race to swing it in his side’s favour.
Wits have an outside chance of lifting the title. And after winning three consecutive titles with SuperSport United, Hunt knows there could still be some upsets in the coming weeks for the sides he is chasing – leaders Mamelodi Sundowns and second-placed Kaizer Chiefs.
“There have been some exciting games, and I am sure there are a few still to come,” said Hunt.
“All we can do is keep going. I told the players that if we can get to 60 points then we have achieved. I think 60 points always wins the league, but it’s going to be more this season. Let’s get to 60 points and see what happens.
“I still think there are going to be some hiccups along the way. I have been there before and I know things could still change.
“Chiefs are still in the (Nedbank) Cup, and they are playing in Africa (CAF Confederation Cup), which is always going to be tough,” Hunt said after his Clever Boys snatched a late goal for a 2-1 victory over Moroka Swallows in midweek.
Hunt says Sundowns, who have played two more games than Wits and are eight points ahead of them, have the best chance of winning the title.
“No disrespect to anyone, but Sundowns have an easier run-in. They can do it,” he said.
“I think we lost it against AmaTuks and Free State Stars, but let’s see what happens. We really went for it (against Swallows). We showed a lot of character and we just have to keep going,” he said.
Hunt will make an emotional return to the Lucas Moripe Stadium today to play his former side SuperSport United, a club he won national respect with for his three consecutive league titles and the Nedbank Cup triumph two years ago. Kick-off is at 3pm.
Wits should fancy themselves for a win against a SuperSport side struggling for consistent form.
“The club (SuperSport) are close to my heart,” said Hunt.
“We were successful and I had a great time there. I am close to the directors and I have a lot of respect for them. But let’s see what happens. We will give it our all.”
Wits’ chances of lifting the Premiership title will be even slimmer if Sundowns beat Swallows in Dobsonville today (6pm).
Sundowns are overwhelming favourites going into the clash.
Pitso Mosimane’s men are on an eight-match winning run in the league, while the Dube Birds have been pathetic, struggling to score, defend or win.
Swallows defender Luvhengo Mungomeni, a former Sundowns player, says the club’s players will have to pick themselves up after the devastating defeat to Wits on Wednesday and do the unthinkable by beating the leaders today.
“Mistakes have been costing us,” he said.
“It’s sad the way we are losing. We are feeling the pain, but we will keep on working so we finish the season on a high. We will climb and get back.
“It will be a difficult game. Sundowns want to win the league and we want three points.
“Last season, Sundowns did not win at Dobsonville and we hope it continues that way.
“We need to work hard. We are the underdogs, but we will apply ourselves.”
Second-placed Chiefs are not involved in league action this weekend.
They play Ivorian club ASEC Mimosas in the Confederation Cup at Dobsonville Stadium tomorrow.
Meanwhile, the relegation noose will tighten for bottom side Golden Arrows if they lose to Platinum Stars at Royal Bafokeng today (3pm).
Arrows are nine points behind 15th-placed Free State Stars with four matches to go.
Absa Premiership
Standings
P W D L F A Pts
Sundowns 27 18 4 5 46 24 58
Chiefs 26 17 4 5 38 16 55
Wits 25 15 5 5 33 19 50
Pirates 25 11 4 9 25 18 40
SuperSport 26 11 7 8 34 30 40
Aces 27 11 7 9 30 28 40
Platinum 27 10 8 9 27 27 38
AmaZulu 27 10 8 9 26 32 38
Celtic 27 8 13 6 32 30 37
Ajax 27 9 8 10 26 29 35
Pretoria 27 9 4 14 24 27 31
Maritzburg 27 8 7 12 30 36 31
Swallows 27 8 6 13 29 35 30
Polokwane 27 6 6 15 27 38 24
Free State 26 6 6 14 25 38 24
Arrows 26 4 3 19 20 45 15 - Saturday Star