Supersport United coach Gavin Hunt was receptive to the decision to have the first domestic cup competition of the season played after the DStv Premiership had commenced.
In the past, the MTN8 Cup officially announced the start of the new season. Hunt says the decision worked in his favour because he now has a better idea of his team after he was recently appointed for a second stint with Matsatsantsa a Pitori. They face Mamelodi Sundowns in the quarter-finals on Sunday.
It’s been a rather rough start for Hunt with just one win from five matches in the DStv Premiership.
But those matches gave him a better understanding of his team and what he has at his disposal before the knock-out cup competition.
“It’s better that we have played and now the competition comes. The old days from my days the BP Cup was always the first games of the season, so you never really knew so we have a better idea of the team that’s for sure,” says Hunt.
Although results have not been coming, he was pleased with the energy of the players. It is the same energy they will require against a star studded Sundowns team.
“Look results wise no I think performance wise yes I think with the squad we have we have played well,” says Hunt.
SuperpSport face off against a tough Sundowns side that has scored the most number of goals so far in the league. And although the odds favour the league champions, the Brazilians have made note of the strengths of their opponents for Sunday’s encounter.
“They also have the cup pedigree that we are aware of a very good side with an experienced coach. [It will be] difficult to score they don’t give you big chances to score, they play aggressive percentage football,” says Sundowns coach Rhulani Mokwena.
Chiefs vs Stellenbosch
After a disappointing midweek result against Cape Town City in a league encounter, Kaizer Chiefs will shift their focus to cup action.
They will look to turn around their fortunes against Stellenbosch FC.
“We will give our utmost best with the hope that we can get positive results and that will help build the momentum which is key for us. If we can win one game with the very same squad to the next game that will be good for us going forward,” says Chiefs coach Arthur Zwane.
Chiefs start to the season has been inconsistent but Zwane is not too concerned with the results not coming forth as anticipated. He says he wants to strike a balance between winning and performing well.
“We have plan as the club and that plan, we are not going to lose focus because the results are not going our way. What is key for now is to build a very strong foundation of which we have done that,” Zwane added.
Chiefs’ match against Stellies will take place at the Danie Craven Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
