Sipho Mthembu
Sipho Mthembu
The last time Bidvest Wits tasted victory was back on February 10 when they beat AmaZulu 2-1, but since then they have lost eight games and drawn two.
And yesterday, the well-whipped "Students" stopped short of begging for a draw from Orlando Pirates, whom they host at Milpark on Sunday (3pm).
"Look, there is nothing in this game for both teams," said Wits' manager George Mogotsi.
"Pirates have qualified for the top eight and we have survived relegation. I think a draw would demonstrate a good footballing spirit."
Nada, responded Pirates, with Floyd Mbele maintaining that Sunday's match was still a 'must- win'.
"People seem to forget that finishing third guarantees a place in continental competition," Mbele said.
"First, there is the Confederations Cup, but most importantly, if one of the two Champions League qualifiers withdraws, the third finishers are next in line. So there is everything to fight for on Sunday.
"In hindsight, we [Pirates] are struggling right now because of the effects of the Champions League, but still we have an obligation to take part in African inter-club competition," he added.
The two teams go into Sunday's game with totally different mind-sets.
Since losing 2-1 to Sundowns, Pirates have grown in confidence and have played a better game in their last two victories over Lamontville Golden Arrows (2-1) and Bloemfontein Celtic (1-0).
Wits drew 0-0 with Benoni Premier United before they were routed 3-0 by Silver Stars last weekend.
Mogotsi said stand-in coach Eric Tinkler will blood youngsters Wilson Shenzhelani, Eric Miyake and Bruin Senokoane alongside the likes of Noah Chivuta, Phumudzo Manenzhe, Julio Danilo and Kagiso Denge.
Abram Raselemane and Marcos "Pepe" de Jesus are doubtful starters.
Pirates are expected to hold on to the team that beat Celtic. Only Innocent Mdledle, with a shoulder strain, is doubtful. Isaac Chansa and Benedict Vilakazi turned on the style on Wednesday.
Speke Manamela, Bennet Chenene and Jory Merahe did not disappoint either.
No tickets for this game will be sold at the stadium.
There are a limited number of tickets available at Computicket and Shoprite-Checkers outlets.
Pirates promise to maroon the Clever Boys
Sipho Mthembu
Sipho Mthembu
The last time Bidvest Wits tasted victory was back on February 10 when they beat AmaZulu 2-1, but since then they have lost eight games and drawn two.
And yesterday, the well-whipped "Students" stopped short of begging for a draw from Orlando Pirates, whom they host at Milpark on Sunday (3pm).
"Look, there is nothing in this game for both teams," said Wits' manager George Mogotsi.
"Pirates have qualified for the top eight and we have survived relegation. I think a draw would demonstrate a good footballing spirit."
Nada, responded Pirates, with Floyd Mbele maintaining that Sunday's match was still a 'must- win'.
"People seem to forget that finishing third guarantees a place in continental competition," Mbele said.
"First, there is the Confederations Cup, but most importantly, if one of the two Champions League qualifiers withdraws, the third finishers are next in line. So there is everything to fight for on Sunday.
"In hindsight, we [Pirates] are struggling right now because of the effects of the Champions League, but still we have an obligation to take part in African inter-club competition," he added.
The two teams go into Sunday's game with totally different mind-sets.
Since losing 2-1 to Sundowns, Pirates have grown in confidence and have played a better game in their last two victories over Lamontville Golden Arrows (2-1) and Bloemfontein Celtic (1-0).
Wits drew 0-0 with Benoni Premier United before they were routed 3-0 by Silver Stars last weekend.
Mogotsi said stand-in coach Eric Tinkler will blood youngsters Wilson Shenzhelani, Eric Miyake and Bruin Senokoane alongside the likes of Noah Chivuta, Phumudzo Manenzhe, Julio Danilo and Kagiso Denge.
Abram Raselemane and Marcos "Pepe" de Jesus are doubtful starters.
Pirates are expected to hold on to the team that beat Celtic. Only Innocent Mdledle, with a shoulder strain, is doubtful. Isaac Chansa and Benedict Vilakazi turned on the style on Wednesday.
Speke Manamela, Bennet Chenene and Jory Merahe did not disappoint either.
No tickets for this game will be sold at the stadium.
There are a limited number of tickets available at Computicket and Shoprite-Checkers outlets.
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