Hunt going 'back to basics' with Students

Cape Town - Bidvest Wits head coach Gavin Hunt feels the Champions tag has weighed heavy on his underperforming squad this season.

After winning their maiden Premiership title and the MTN8 crown, much was expected from the Clever Boys this campaign.

However, Hunt's side were knocked out of the early-season cup competition and only picked up two league wins in their opening nine games - leaving them in the relegation play-off spot in 15th.

Nonetheless, the Telkom Knock-Out quarter final victory over league leaders Baroka on Saturday evening could be the turning point for the Students as one of the bigger clubs left in the tournament.

"The problem is that expectations have been raised here because we won the league and cup double last season," Hunt told reporters.

"We are motivated, of course, but I don’t want to be called a motivator. That means I am not a good coach. We are getting paid here and playing for our lives.

"I think we’ve got to go back to basics pretty much in every position. Last year, I thought we were the best team without the ball. This year we are not very good without it, typically.

"If you want to do anything, you need to be good without the ball."