Wits have surprised by booking the spot in the final. For a long time they have been known as that team that play boring football. But they were a different kettle of fish this year. Wits’ football won the hearts of neutrals and they will have plenty of support from fans from all over the province and outside as the underdogs going into the final. They will feature in their first final. Wits have nothing to lose and everything to gain. Here are the reasons why they will win this year’s final.

Wits have nothing to lose
Wits are going into the 2018 cup final as the underdogs. If you had told them that they will feature in this year’s final at the beginning of the season, they would have laughed at you. But they are here and they are here on merit not by luck. Wits qualified ahead of usual suspects UP-Tuks and NWU to book their first ever cup final. If they lose they will still raise their heads high and winning the final will count as a big bonus. 

They have home ground advantage
It’s one thing dreaming of a cup final and another playing the cup final at home. In this case Wits have both they are in the final and they will play it at Milpark. What a story. Wits finished fourth on the mini league table but will still play host in the final. Maybe that is a sign that this year’s final is theirs to lose. It’s unheard of for a team that finished in fourth place to play the final at home. But the boys from Braamfontein have done it against all odds. They will enjoy their big fan base at a pitch that they are used to play their matches at. Its advantage Wits and it’s to them to seize the opportunity.

Wits work as a team and don’t rely on individuals
We can count TUT star players until the cows come home. But that is not the case for Wits. They play as a team doesn’t rely on individuals. Every player works for each other and goals come from all direction of the pitch. There’s power in playing as a team that usually helps a team to win. If they stick together and play as a team as they have done throughout the tournament that could turn out their strongest weapon. 

TUT have already lost a cup final away from home
Wits will draw inspiration from UWC. UWC defeated TUT 2-1 in the final in Cape Town few seasons ago. If UWC can do it why not, Wits will also believe that they too can pull off an upset. That memorable night in UWC’s Varsity Football history, is the driving factor for Wits. There is nothing more fulfilling nothing that another opponent on the same level has done it before.

Wits will pin their hopes on their rock solid defence
Apart from leaking four goals against TUT in that 4-2 defeat, Wits have shown that they can defend and prevent talented teams from bridging their defence. Wits held UP-Tuks the defending champions to a goalless draw and they did the same to mini league winners UJ when they stake were really high. They defend as if their lives depend on it and it will be the same story in the final. Wits will not have more possession of the ball but they will be solid at the back.

By Charles Baloyi – Daily Sun and Sunday Sun Sports Writer