Wits come close against Pirates in fiercely contested Wits Spirit Game
- Tshepiso Mametela
Wits FC and Orlando Pirates served up an exciting contest that ended 1-0 in favour of the Buccaneers in the latest instalment of the Wits Spirit Game in Braamfontein on 25 February 2022.
The boys in blue and gold dug deep in their own backyard in pursuit of glory at the expense of their more fancied opponents but saw a premature disruption to their plans as the weather ensured an end to the match midway through the second half at the Wits University Football Stadium.
For Wits centre back Kal Laing, although rueing not coming face to face with some of the club’s biggest names, the friendly game was as pulsating as any he’s been involved in, to date. The 24-year-old enjoyed playing in front of a boisterous Wits crowd, having been an 11th man poorer for much of the last 24 months due to Covid restrictions.
“The atmosphere was definitely electric and almost felt like a new feeling after playing football behind closed doors for close to two years,” an excited Laing recalled of the affair.
“Pirates brought their A-game, as expected, which allowed us to test ourselves. But disappointingly, they did not bring any first-team players. Having one or two [in the game] would’ve made the encounter even more interesting.”
Wits closed out the 2021 Varsity Football season in fifth place, a mere one point behind, TUT, and four behind eventual winners and Johannesburg rivals, UJ, after seven rounds of games.
The current spirit in the camp has given Laing an extra sliver of confidence for the season ahead. “I am extremely excited for what is to come from our varsity football side this year,” said the fourth-year animal, plant and environmental sciences student.
“There have been a few young, talented boys brought in to strengthen the squad, and I look forward to being there as part of the old guard, playing my role in guiding the side to victory.
“We’ve developed a short history over the years for always falling at the last hurdle and at critical points in tournaments. So, this year, I look forward to getting over those hurdles and bringing some silverware home,” Laing added, vocal about his hopes to end his last year at the university on a high.
One man who will be hoping Laing and other final-year athletes sign off in grand style is Wits FC mentor, Alzavian van Rheede, who traded any disappointment he may have had in the outcome for something approaching optimism.
“Tactically, we tried our best to find balance in the team with the players we had available. It was a good opportunity for our Varsity Football team to play in a stadium environment that had so many people,” said van Rheede noting the ongoing development in the side.
“Varsity Football has a similar vibe, and the match was important to help with the development of our first-year students. One can always look back and question certain tactics, and so on, but we look forward and continue to try and develop the individuals and squad from this encounter.”
Speaking on the new faces pulled into the set-up, van Rheede said things were looking sharp thanks to the goalkeeping prospects who joined Wits from Cape Town Spurs and Randburg FC, respectively.
The backline has also been beefed up for the rest of the season with Wade Poole, a centre back who captained Kaizer Chiefs’ under-19 team before joining Wits, another exciting revelation. “He is a player with a lot of leadership qualities and an amazing personality that goes hand in hand with the culture we are trying to build at Wits University.”
Final score: Wits FC 0-1 Orlando Pirates