JOHANNESBURG – After winning four matches in a row, Bidvest Wits’ reserve league coach Glen Salmon admits that his team’s belief of winning the MultiChoice Diski Challenge (MDC) is growing gradually.
After match-day seven of the league, Wits are currently third on the log standings with 14 points and they trail leaders Cape Town City by one.
It’s been a fine start for Salmon and his troops, as they are one point away from equalling last season’s tally after the last round of matches.
“I think this group is growing in belief that they can win the league,” former Bafana striker Salmon said after their 2-1 win against Kaizer Chiefs at Bidvest Stadium on Sunday.
“You could see from the first two games of the season. Sometimes they over-believe but as long as they believe that they can go all the way, we also believe in them. It’s up to them every week because as soon as they step into the white lines, they’ve got to believe in themselves and have a full go.”
Last season, striker Molahlehi Khunyedi inspired their 12th-place finish on the standings. However, he hasn’t been at his best in his second season of the feeder league. Salmon came to his defence, saying that Khunyedi was bound to succumb to the pressure of maintaining his maiden start.
“Solly had a very good first season, and his next season was not going to be the same,” Salmon explained. “It’s not going to be the same because it happens all over the world and now, it’s his learning year. He’s got all the qualities but it’s good that others are stepping up.
"That’s what you need in football because it’s a team game, so if we can keep other boys helping out then we are happy.”
While the senior team has endured a poor run of form at Bidvest Stadium - after bagging nine points from six home starts this season - their reserves have been flourishing.
Top result by our MultiChoice Diski Challenge boys!
Keenan Phillips scored a brace to hand the young Clever Boys a 2-1 win over @KaizerChiefs at home! @Asidlali #BidvestWits #MDC pic.twitter.com/y06154Rfg8
— Bidvest Wits (@BidvestWits) November 11, 2018
Successive victories at home have all came at the expense of the big fishes - Cape Town City, Maritzburg United, Golden Arrows and recently Chiefs.
“Their fighting spirit is important and I think for any team in the world that’s what gets you over the line,” Salmon said.
“At home, we’ve been very strong. There’s a good attitude and spirit, and that’s good for us. In the first game against Maritzburg, the intensity of our play was very good. The decision-making was a lot better against City, and that’s what we want to take to every game. If they all bring their quality and intensity, then they are a very good team.”
After those four successive thrilling results at home, the Clever Boys will be hoping to continue with their winning momentum when they travel to Makhulong Stadium to face neighbours Highlands Park on Saturday (10:00am).