Gavin Hunt says Wydad ‘B team’ will have a point to prove

Kaizer Chiefs coach Gavin Hunt is wary of what the so-called B-team of Wydad Casablanca will bring to the FNB Stadium this weekend.

Wydad have sent a largely second string unit and the head coach has not travelled with the team, but Hunt says the fringe players will have a lot they want to prove.

Gavin Hunt wary of weakened Wydad

“It doesn’t concern me those type of things. I think players who have not been playing would want to prove a point,” said Hunt when asked about the makeup of the Wydad squad.

“It is sometimes harder to play against those type of players who haven’t played much. They have a good squad and they are a big club. We know their history, they have been in the Champions League final a couple of times, they are a top club.

“We looked bad when we played them in the first round. If you look at that game, you would think we were that bad because we lost 4-0 because of their quality. I don’t see any drop in their standards, I actually see an increase because the players would want to prove a point.”

Hunt revealed that Khama Billiat and Leonardo Castro had regained match fitness and were in contention to play a part in the match.

“Billiat is training again and Castro certainly came in the reckoning. So they will give us certainly a little bit more. In the derby we had nothing on the bench so it was difficult for us,” Hunt told the media.

“They are back and will make a big difference to the team, they will give us a little bit more. Being fit to play for 90 minutes I don’t think so but at least we have them available for the game.”

Hunt believes that Kaizer Chiefs need to show mental fortitude to get something out of this season. The club are out of all the domestic cups and their Champions League progress hinges on their final two group games, against Wydad and Horoya.

“Obviously this season hasn’t been good but still we can resurrect. We still have a lot to play for. There are some games to play and I still think we can finish well and try to get through to the knockout stage. There is a lot to play for,” Hunt said.

“There is not really much you can work on, I think the biggest thing Kaizer Chiefs is the mental thing after what happened last year. Certainly mental strength is what is needed more than physical strength. We have got eight games this month and hopefully we can rest in between so it is going to be tough. But we need more mental than physical strength.”

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