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Chapman seeks MTN8 glory

Johannesburg - Wits forward Ryan Chapman believes the team has what it takes to make it through to the MTN8 final.

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The Students take on Platinum Stars in a semi-final first-leg tie on Sunday.

"All of us at the club would like to win it," Chapman said on Tuesday.

"As a club it will be important, it's the first trophy of the year and it could be a great start for us."

Wits last took part in the competition two years ago, losing in the opening round to Kaizer Chiefs, as was the case in their only other appearance, in 2009.

Stars and Wits have already met this season, playing out to a goalless draw in their Premiership opener on August 4, coach Gavin Hunt's first game in charge of the Clever Boys.

Hunt's side eased past Bloemfontein Celtic in the opening round of the MTN8 tournament five days later, securing their spot in Sunday's semi-final.

"In the first game, we drew with Platinum Stars, but the first game is always jittery," Chapman said.

"In the second game, we won 3-0, so we're working with the coach.

"We're still getting to know him and as soon as we do get more comfortable, things will start to fall into place for us."

With a host of new additions since Hunt's arrival, Chapman believed the cup rookies would be a major threat to Stars.

New signings included Bafana Bafana internationals Moeneeb Josephs and Matthew Booth, as well as former Manchester City striker Benjani Mwaruwari.

"The guys have brought a lot, they are experienced players and they have been great," he said.

In the other semi-final, Soweto giants Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs will square-off in a highly-anticipated derby clash on Saturday.

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