FOLLOWING their early exit from the Caf Champions League, Bidvest Wits have now targeted a top eight finish in the Absa Premiership.
Wits lost 3-2 on penalties to Angolan side Primero de Agosto after the teams had drawn 1-1 at full-time in the second leg of qualifiers at Bidvest Stadium at the weekend.
Wits striker Lehlohonolo Majoro told the media in Joburg yesterday after he was named the Absa Premiership Player of the Month for February that their remaining seven games would be crucial to ensure they achieve their goal.
His coach, Gavin Hunt, was named Coach of the Month, while Kaizer Chiefs striker Leonardo Castro walked away with the Goal of the Month award for January.
The Clever Boys are currently in 10th position with 29 points.
They will have to endure two weeks of no action due to the Fifa break and Nedbank Cup before they resume their league schedule with a date with Maritzburg United at home on 3 April.
Said Majoro: “Getting an award is really motivating but this doesn’t mean anything if we don’t end up in the top eight. This was just a reminder that ‘Major, your hard work has been recognised’.
“But I wouldn’t have achieved this if not for the support of my teammates. Football is a team sport, not an individual sport like tennis.”
However, Majoro is aware that he faces pressure to increase his scoring tally of six goals if Wits are to qualify for the MTN8 Cup.
“I have always scored for each team I’ve played for in the PSL. Wherever I go there is always pressure, regardless which team I’m playing for.
“The most important thing to do is to manage it, and if you do that, you’ll enjoy your football. It is important to me to always perform, every time I am given the opportunity to play, and to never take my job for granted.”
Wits still have a chance to restore their pride in continental competition, as they have now dropped down to the Caf Confederation Cup, where the draw is scheduled for tomorrow.
Said Hunt: “I am lucky to be sitting here because we’ve had a bad start. But we can finish in a respectable position.”
