Wits want to make reaching cup finals a habit

At least six of Wits' regular players will make their cup final debut in the top flight next month.

And their coach, Roger de Sa, believes it is only the start for his budding youngsters, with the December 10 Telkom Knockout final against Orlando Pirates being the "first of many".

Durban's Moses Mabhida stadium will host the final, which will kick off at 8.15pm.

If injury-free in two weeks' time, Lehlogonolo Masalesa, Sibusiso Vilakazi, Ryan Chapman, Asive Langwe, Bhongolwethu Jayiya and Nyiko Tshabangu could taste cup success with Wits.

Last week De Sa said these players, along with others like captain Sifiso Myeni, are the "future of the club".

Following their 3-0 semifinal victory at home against Santos on Sunday, the coach said if they were consistent, his team could make reaching cup finals a habit.

"It will be a day to enjoy," said the coach. "For my players to soak up the attention and the razzmatazz of being on that stage. And when they get on the pitch, they must do their best.

"We are hungry for sure and we want to win every game that we play all the time."

De Sa is already urging his team to savour the moment come December 10.

They will face an experienced Pirates team, which has booked its spot in a fifth successive cup final in just 13 months.

"They [Pirates] are used to playing in cup finals and a lot of their players are experienced and have been in plenty," De Sa said.

"Mine haven't. There's always a first. Who knows, we might also have a run of five finals."

It is unlikely the Clever Boys, known for starting the season well but fumbling towards the end, will have as good a run as the Bucs.

But their coach said their recent form suggested they could at least go on to win the Telkom Knockout.