As TUT wait for their semi-final opponents to be revealed on Thursday night, Wits have a big say in deciding the last semi-finalist. Do the struggling Wits do Tuks a favour or field fringe players in their last of their round robin match? Which is more important: deny NWU a place in the semis or do Tuks a favour? Here are the reasons why Wits have to beat NWU.
The Tshwane derby will be a final before the final
Wits have to grant everyone’s wishes by beating NWU-Mafikeng. A victory against NWU, will pave the way for a mouthwatering Tshwane derby semi-final. Who wouldn’t want to see a derby with one giant set to miss out on a cup final appearance? Wits must just grant the neutrals their wish.
Wits don’t want to go down alone
It’s a known fact that Wits will not make the semis. But they won’t want to go down alone. Nothing is as satisfying as taking a rival down with you and Wits will probably be thinking the same thing. A win against NWU-Mafikeng will make them look good even though it’s a meaningless win for them, but it will make their rivals cry, losing out on a semi-final place.
A double against two of Varsity Football’s big teams will salvage Wits’ poor season
They defeated Tuks and another win against NWU in the space of a week will erase the disappointments of a disastrous season. Wits have never beaten Tuks and NWU in the same season, in the tournament’s four-year history and this is a big chance for them to make history. The timing for them to complete that rare double is now. It’s now or never for Wits. Will they seize the moment?
The game will be televised
You never know who will be watching on TV or at the stadium. This could be the last opportunity for players to be snapped up and taken to the National First Division for Wits or even the PSL for that matter. Why not? They are going into the game without pressure and
a great performance could lead their players to greener pastures. This is the only game played on Thursday and there is a lot at stake for NWU. Because of that, NWU will commit men in attack and risk being caught on the counter attacks.
This is a chance for Wits to give their loyal fans something to cheer about
Even though they had a bad season, Wits supporters have cheered their team at home in big numbers. The best way to thank their passionate fans is a win against NWU. They are desperate to end the year on a high note and prove to everyone that they are no pushovers. The stage is set for Wits to set the record straight. The Wits fans don’t want to see jubilant NWU fans at the end of the game.
Wits don’t want their happy hunting ground to turn into a historic day for NWU-Mafikeng
No team wants to see another team celebrate a triumph in their own backyard. A draw or win for NWU will spark wild celebrations from the NWU visiting team. But Wits will not want to see NWU book a semi-final date at their expense. Not at Milpark of all places. Wits have nothing to celebrate and they will want to see the same thing for their opponents.
By Charles Baloyi – Daily Sun and Sunday Sun sports writer
