Gavin Hunt says BidVest Wits’ African Champions League clash with Egyptian powerhouses Al Ahly on Sunday is the biggest game in the club’s 96-year history as he sweats on the fitness of some key players ahead of the second leg tie.
Wits trail 1-0 from the first game in Cairo last weekend‚ but gave a good account of themselves in the Egyptian capital and were unlucky not to come away with at least a draw.
If they can overturn the deficit at the BidVest Stadium on Sunday it will mean qualification for the group stages in what is the club’s maiden season competing in the Champions League.
“I think it’s the biggest game in the club’s history‚ for BidVest Wits to get into the group stages of the Champions League … it’s unheard of‚" Hunt said.
"It is a great opportunity for a club of our size.
"Sunday will be good‚ it will be big."
Wits made eight changes for the routine 2-0 victory over Cape Town All Stars in the Nedbank Cup Last 32 on Wednesday as Hunt rested some key stars‚ but is already definitely without central defender Thulani Hlatshwayo for the weekend.
And with centre-back partner Buhle Mkhwanazi doubtful‚ Hunt faces some difficult decisions in his back-four.
“Our backs are against the wall‚ we are playing against an unbelievable team‚ and it will be tough on Sunday. Our captain [Hlatshwayo] will be out suspended as well. We’ll do the best we can.
“Buhle‚ who has been a mainstay of our team‚ looks a little bit doubtful but hopefully we can get him back.
"[Striker] James Keene we obviously need to get back.
"We are a little bit short there. But we must rise to the occasion.”
But in the same breath Hunt has praised the depth he has within the team this year‚ saying it is the best squad he has coached since arriving at the club in 2013.
He also hit out at those who have criticised his rotation policy.
“This is my fourth season at the club and before this year we have never had the squad to compete on three or four fronts.
"People criticise me‚ but look at what everybody is doing‚ you have to rotate the team‚” he said.
“Last year we played against [Swaziland] side Royal Leopards [in the African Confederation Cup] and won 3-0 at home.
"We went away with the same team and we got beaten 3-0 and lost on penalties‚ and I got criticised for losing.
“We have much more depth this year. We get criticised and other teams don’t when they rotate … well‚ especially me‚ but what can you do?”
- TMG Digital/TMG Sport
