After they secured a historic first Varsity Football semifinal, Wits coach Karabo Mogudi gave his team the underdog tag going into the knockout stages.
The modest coach, who paid tribute to his team for their never-say-die attitude that put them through to the last four, refuses to get carried away with their rich vein of form.
Wits clawed their way back into contention when they won their past three matches by one goal margins with an identical score line.
Their 2-1 win over defending champions UP-Tuks away from home was followed by an equally impressive 2-1 win over VUT on the road, and last week they held their nerve to beat WSU 2-1 at home to guarantee their passage.
Mogudi warned his played not to take their foot off the pedal as the competition heads towards the closing stages.
“The team spirit has been unbelievable they played and executed our plans to perfection. But we haven’t won anything yet and for that reason we shouldn’t be seen celebrating. Let’s wait and see how far we will go in the competition,” said Mogudi.
Wits were slow starters, but they picked up their momentum towards the end. Mogudi says the turning point of their qualification was the win against UP-Tuks.
“We showed hunger, character, mental strength and we were better prepared for the big match.
The attitude of these boys has been great. The win against Tuks set us on our way and credit should be given to the boys.
“But we are the under-dogs going into the last four and we will tread carefully against any opponent,” he added.
Wits face mini-league winners UWC in Cape Town in a battle for a place in the final. Their last meeting was the opening game of the tournament that ended in a dull goalless draw at Milpark.
Hopefully their semifinal showdown will produce goals, but a draw will not do this time as one team has to be eliminated.
“We were rusty in the first match against UWC both teams have found their form and it will be a good game. But they are the favourites to go through as they are playing at home,” said Mogudi.
By Charles Baloyi – Daily Sun and Sunday Sun sports writer
