Johnstone: We are going into the game with a positive mindset

"We are looking forward to the encounter," says Bidvest Wits' assistant coach Paul Johnstone 

Paul Johnstone and goalkeeper coach,  Ty Damon

Bidvest Wits will try to emulate winning ways when they take on National First Division (NFD) side, Cape Town All Stars this evening (March 15). 

The two sides will be meeting for the first time with All Stars led by Patrick Mabedi, meanwhile Gavin Hunt will be looking for a win with Bidvest Wits having last won the cup back in 2010 under Roger De Sá. It's proving to be a tough encounter with All Stars ready to come out guns blazing as a strong NFD side. 

We spoke to Bidvest Wits assistance coach Paul Johnstone about his thoughts on tonight's (March 15) fixture:

On taking on CT All Stars:

We are going into the game with a positive mindset, we are nearing the end of a very tough schedule having come out of  a Bloemfontein Celtic game which was at home, and Chippa away and then Egypt. So naturally the guys are slightly jaded but I am very positive in the fact that we have had enough time to recover and are rearing to go. We are looking forward to the encounter.

Their plan on getting back to winning ways:

It's a process whether it's a cup or league fixture. We certainly don't go out there looking to lose; given our recent league form, and  the way we have played throughout the season. I think it's a continuity and looking to improve on the positives we've shown as well. We are always looking to improve on our last performance and with the quality we have on our team it should be enough for us on the day.

On using CT All Stars' pressure to their advantage:

I'm not sure really. Often when you playing in a cup fixture with the lower tier teams, the weaker opposition tends to play with more guts, determination and they put everything out there because it's a massive opportunity for them to prove that they don't belong in a lower tier and to showcase their own ability against the better side that plays in a higher league. Perhaps the boys themselves want to get promoted to the premier league side, and they'll definitely come out guns blazing. I don't think they're necessarily feeling the pressure but it can work in our favour but they are familiar with dealing with excessive pressure.

On travelling back and forth and trying to remain fit:

Rightly so, we might be slightly jaded but again with our training regime we try to get the guys ready against possible with the travelling schedule. We are fortunate enough to have strength in depth. In terms of making wholesale changes, I don't think we will. It's very important to put out a strong side on the day and obviously go for the win.

On what the fans can expect:

I think what's come to be expected of a Bidvest team, you know what our game plan is like as we try to keep the ball where we can and try not to overplay. We are obviously not going to change anything, it's not a game where we feel like we should go out and reinvent it. We will stick to what we good at and what's kept us competitive so far this season.

The winners receive prize money of R6 million and the winner also qualifies for the next season's CAF Confederation Cup.

Kick off set for 19:30.

The results and following fixtures as follows:

SATURDAY, MARCH 11 - Results

Jomo Cosmos 3-0 United Rovers

FC Cape Town 0-2 Baroka FC

KwaDukuza United 2-2 Ajax Cape Town (KwaDukuza United won 4-3 on penalties)

Buya Musthu 0-2 Bloemfontein Celtic

Free State Stars 2-0 Highlands Park

Stellenbosch FC 0-3 Kaizer Chiefs

SUNDAY, MARCH 12 -Results

Golden Arrows 3 -1 Maritzburg Utd

EC Bees FC 1 - 3 Orlando Pirates

Acornbush United 1 - 0 Cape Town City

Days FC 2 -5 Mbombela United

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 15 - Next fixture

Platinum Stars v AmaZulu - 19:30

Chippa United v Witbank Spurs - 19:30

Royal Eagles v SuperSport United - 19:30

The Round of 32 will wrap up on Wednesday, March 15 and the next round which will be Last 16 will be drawn on Thursday, March 16. The draw will be live on TV, SS4 and updates will be made available on social media.

Till next time . . .