A new-look BidVest Wits will be launched when the unbeaten Students host Free State Stars in their second Absa Premiership home match this season at their Milpark stronghold on Wednesday night.
Kick-off is at 8pm.
Head coach Roger de Sa said the chairperson of sponsors BidVest, Brian Joffe, and new club chief executive officer Stan Whiting had revolutionised the club and had gone on a successful drive to attract more supporters.
Said De Sa: ”Both Brian and Stan have been working round the clock this season in a bid to beef up our supporter base. With BidVest employing about 100 000 people and the university a fertile ground for support, we are hoping to surprise a few people with a bumper crowd against Stars on Wednesday, and for the rest of our home matches this season and in the future.”
Joffe is determined to put his money where his mouth is while Whiting, a former top amateur player, is proving his worth as the driving force behind the club.
Said De Sa: ”I played with Stan in the old and highly competitive Transvaal Football League days with Jeppe and know him really well. It is great to see our sponsor’s chairperson and CEO working so closely and successfully. They have hatched a good plan that we are confident will benefit Wits in the short and long term.”
De Sa is pleased with the start his players have made to the season, collecting four points from their two matches played so far. They defeated Santos 2-0 in their opening home match and then earned a point in a creditable 0-0 draw against Orlando Pirates at Ellis Park recently.
Added De Sa: ”I will change tactics for Stars. We had to fight hard for the point against Pirates. In the end maybe we were a bit fortunate, but we fought all the way and earned our draw. They key was closing down Teko Modise. Without him operating freely in midfield, Pirates were stifled. But I will be able to be more attacking and could make changes against Stars.”
De Sa is contemplating bringing back winger Richard Ranjies and Marawaan Bantam to the midfield. He added that his Brazilian import — midfielder David — is doubtful with an ankle injury. His countryman, Fabricio, made an impressive debut against Bucs in midfield and De Sa is confident that once the two Brazilians get used to the pace of the PSL they will be big assets to the Students this season.
Said De Sa: ”David needs to pass a late fitness test and at this stage it is not in his favour. I will not risk him if he is not 100% fit.”
De Sa has a high respect for Stars and new coach Owen da Gama: ”Stars were always a hard-working side. We beat them 1-0 at home and then got thumped 3-0 away last season. That away match could have been an even bigger defeat. Stars are a good side and will be even tougher to beat now that Owen is in charge. So we are going to have our work cut out.”
De Sa knows that he will have to keep Stars striker Diyo Sibisi and midfield ace Duncan Lechesa quiet. ”Lechesa has tons of experience and runs the Stars midfield. It is going to be an interesting 90 minutes.” — Sapa