SuperSport United head coach Gavin Hunt has acknowledged the quality of Mamelodi Sundowns, emphasizing the need for solid defensive organization and clinical finishing when the teams meet in the Tshwane derby.
The match is set to take place at Lucas Moripe Stadium on Wednesday at 19:30.
SuperSport, currently 11th in the league table with 16 points from 15 matches, are looking to bounce back after their recent defeat to AmaZulu.
Meanwhile, Sundowns lead the standings with 36 points from 13 games and come into the derby on the back of a dominant 4-0 victory over Golden Arrows at the same venue last weekend.
Speaking ahead of the encounter, Hunt acknowledged the challenge his side faces against the defending champions.
“We are facing opponents who have great spirit. We have to defend well and hope to get opportunities like against AmaZulu, and be efficient to perform well,” he said.
Injury Woes for SuperSport
SuperSport have been dealing with significant injury setbacks this season, losing three key players early in the campaign. Midfielder Grant Margeman, striker Bradley Grobler, and defender Thulani Hlatshwayo have all been sidelined, leaving the squad with limited options.
Hunt reinforced the midfield by securing Lebohang Maboe on loan from Sundowns, but the player will not be available for selection against his parent club due to a clause in his contract.
“Grant [Margeman] is not going to play this year, he has nine months of injury. Bradley Grobler is out for another six weeks and could be out for the rest of the season. Tyson [Hlatshwayo] is also injured,” Hunt explained.
With Grobler having scored twice in just six appearances this season, and Margeman and Hlatshwayo also missing from the lineup, Hunt believes the team’s goal-scoring struggles have been compounded by these absences.
As the most decorated coach in PSL history with four league titles, Hunt will be looking to find a tactical solution as his side aims to upset the league leaders in this highly anticipated derby.
