Engen Santos assistant coach Jean-Marc Ithier believes it is crucial that Santos win their opening match of the 2008/09 Absa Premiership season against BidVest Wits on Wednesday.

The two teams will meet in what should be an entertaining season-opener for both sides at BidVest Stadium at 8pm.

"It is important to get off to a positive start as that just builds the confidence in the squad,” Ithier told the official Santos website.

He added: "When you do well in your first few games, the players get that boost they need to perform well all season. Everybody then works together; the team spirit is at a high, and the winning results flow from there.

"If you start well, everything just seems to fall into place."

Ithier has been happy with the progress of the Santos squad since their defeat against Kaizer Chiefs in the money-spinning MTN8, adding: "After the defeat to Chiefs, we went back to the drawing board to see what was lacking in the squad.

"We then worked hard on the team's sharpness and speed, and then in Wednesday night's friendly against Ajax Cape Town it all came to fruition.

"I can assure you we are ready for the start of the new season. The team is confident and we can't wait to get it on.

"Obviously, we have respect for our opponents, Wits, on Wednesday and we are expecting a tough, competitive and physical encounter," stated Ithier.

Meanwhile, new Wits CEO Stan Whiting is hoping that 'The Clever Boys' do better than last season when they finished a lowly 12th in the Absa Premiership standings.

"We are satisfied with the team of players that we have assembled and we have faith that they will deliver the goods," Whiting told the official Wits website.

"With this line-up, our fans can look forward to entertaining soccer in the field with good results."

365