The struggle continues for Wits Juniors.
Wits juniors faced another setback as they lost 1–3 to Panorama U19 on Matchday 13. Despite an early lead, Wits crumbled under the pressure allowing Panorama to secure a victory.
Wits Juniors U19 faced a tough challenge on Matchday 13 at Marks Park on May 26, as they took on Panorama FC.
In the previous matches, Wits Juniors had managed to secure a victory in one out of three matches. The U17 team, in particular had an impressive performance, winning 4–3 against Panorama FC U17. Ayanda Sibiya scored a brace, along with goals from Philane Mfeka and Lindelo Gumede. The U17 Wits coach, Mido Ltsewa, was delighted with his team’s performance, especially after a recent loss to the School of Excellence at home. The win meant a lot to the U17s as they aimed to bounce back from a bad run of form at home in the Gauteng Development League (GDL).
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However, the U19 did not fair so well in their match against Panorama FC. Wits Juniors took an early lead with a goal from Wandile Khanyile, but they struggled to maintain their advantage. Panorama quickly turned the tides and gave Wits a hard time in defence as they aimed to secure all three points. Just before half-time, the away team scored three goals, from left winger Kabo Modirapula, centre midfielder Thando Mabaso scoring a penalty and centre back Vito Mdluli all finding the back of the net. This put Panorama in a commanding 3–1 lead at half-time.
Coach Aaron Tswala from Wits Juniors U19 expressed his frustration with his team’s performance, highlighting their lack of pressure on the ball, aggression and concentration. “We need to learn how to manage the game, our defence and winning.”
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Despite a saving grace in the form of a red card for Panorama FC’s centre back Thokozani Mahlango in the second half, reducing their team to 10 players, Wits was unable to capitalise on the advantage, through making bad passes, losing the ball in the midfield, squandering opportunities and cracking under pressure in defence from 10 men. In the end, Wits Juniors suffered another defeat.
Panorama FC head coach, Boy Gcabashe, on the other hand, was extremely happy with his team’s performance – despite the red card and Wits Juniors opening the scoring in the first half. “From what I saw, it was a tactical game if you checked, both teams came very prepared. However, my team started very slow, but I am happy to see the good character from the boys. We managed to come back and win the game.”
Gcabashe also mentioned his team’s adaptation to the circumstances, even with a player disadvantage, by adjusting their formation to maintain pressure in attack and balance in defence.
The next match for Wits is against Mamelodi Sundowns and Tswala stressed the importance of motivating the players mentally and encouraging them to fight on the pitch.
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