After notching the first win of their Varsity Football campaign, the mood in the in the Wits camp has been good and the boys have been singing with gusto says coach Karabo Mogudi.
Following a last minute set-piece goal by winger Neo Makua the Wits side overcame UCT 1-0 away, at The Green Mile on Monday.
“It was a big relief, it’s not easy being away from home and having to travel but we coped well,” said Mogudi.
Wits captain Muzimkhulu Nhlengethwa was also happy that the side came away with a clean sheet. Especially after all the work the defensive players have been putting in.
The captain said that Wits are going to need all the spirit than can muster as their season begins in earnest. Along with the stresses of the Varsity Football they are also now playing qualifiers for another tournament.
A taxing away draw to Vaal University of Technology saw them arriving back home at 00.30. If they don’t qualify they may not be able to participate in the Varsity Football challenge next year.
As a result, Mogudi has been rotating his squad with care.
“We don’t have as much depth in the squad as we would like, but we are being efficient with the players and watching for fatigue. A lot of the squad is used to playing tournament type schedules, where they can play two matches a day,” he said.
The side still needs to work on their finishing in front of goal, according to Nhlengethwa, which he hopes will improve after their last minute winner.
“We do have four or five guys who have taken a couple of knocks, but it looks like everyone will be fit for Monday’s game,” said Nhlengethwa.
The knocks in the lecture rooms are also taking their toll. Monday’s game was absent of a key player, Marcus Leki, who had to stay in Johannesburg to complete an assignment. With August mid-semester tests looming it would be a tragedy to see the side forced to make re-arrangements based on a busy exam schedule.
“Our first priority is for students to complete their studies,” said coach Mogudi.
Back in the strategy room, Nhlengethwa says the side has been hard at work watching video footage of UWC, their next opponent.
Without a marksman up front, the most important thing for Wits is to find someone who can do the job. UWC have only recorded a draw so far, a good team to find some defensive loopholes against.
With home fans to urge them on next week, the side is optimistic they can record another three-pointer.
By Jay Caboz
