I have a dream of one day running the Comrades Marathon. When I told my family and friends, ever the supportive bunch, they laughed so much to a point where they couldn't even breathe. I don't blame them though, the only shape I was in when I said that was round.
Thanks to running and not that many visits to the gym, because it’s too much work and a bore, I have transformed to being oval shaped. It’s an improvement, though I am still nowhere near the fitness levels required to run the Comrades. But I have run plenty of 10km races and a couple of 21.1s. When I ran my first half-marathon, I thought my limbs would give up on me because of the pain I was in. It made me realise I still needed some work to fulfil my ambition. I can now run 21.1km with ease and if I keep at it, I can one day run the Comrades.
Gavin Hunt was in a similar situation three years ago. He wasn't out of shape (physically), but the Bidvest Wits side he took over were. Finishing in the top eight was an achievement because 10 seasons ago they were playing in the first division. They made a swift return after just one season and spent the better part of the last decade as a development club, where players launch their careers before going on to bigger things.
But since they have been bankrolled by the deep pockets of JSE-listed Bidvest, they have worked on changing that reputation by bringing some of the best players in the country to Braamfontein. Many were brought as free agents but the salaries they earn aren't anything to scoff at. Chief executive Jose Ferreira brought Hunt on board, having won league titles with him at SuperSport United, to bring a winning mentality to a club that can count the number of trophies they have won in the last two decades on one hand. After three barren seasons, Hunt won his first title when he guided them to MTN8 success last week.
That success was three years in the making and hinted at more trophies to follow. Hunt enjoyed a rare luxury in that the club kept him after three barren seasons in a crazy environment where coaches have been fired before the ink on their contracts had run dry. I remember one Jean Yves Kerjean who was fired at Black Leopards after just one game against Orlando Pirates. They argued that their future looked bleak under Kerjean. They saw that after just ONE game.
Manqoba Mngqithi had it better at Chippa United. He was fired after two games because he didn’t want to make wholesale purchases as he preferred to develop players. The fact that he is part of the brains trust at Mamelodi Sundowns who are 180 minutes away from being African champions is an indictment on how foolish that decision was.
We have a problem in our country, where clubs have ambitions beyond their capabilities. Don’t get me wrong, there is nothing wrong with being ambitious. But you shouldn’t just say you want to win the league without making an investment that can back up that desire. There are so many good coaches who have been fired because of ridiculous mandates.
Wits have been growing under Hunt. They finished in the top three in the last three seasons under him. Their owners didn't just say they want to challenge for things, they backed that up by making wise signings.
That support could lead to Wits getting a big return with a side that can challenge for honours. There is still Phakamani Mahlambi and James Keene to come while the likes of Sibongakonke Mbatha, Reeve Frosler and Keanu Cupido are future stars. Wits have a group of players that can help the club not only win the league but also defend it with a new generation taking over.
The longest-serving coach in the PSL, Pitso Mosimane, has been in charge of Sundowns for just four years. He has brought plenty of success to be given a chance to build a dynasty at Chloorkop. It’s about time club owners look beyond winning a couple of trophies but forming dynasties. That would require some patience.
The Star