WITH a tinge of sadness, Gavin Hunt admitted he was still upset with SuperSport United’s shock Caf Confederations Cup exit.
But Hunt also urged Matsatsantsa to quickly overcome their disappointment and focus on tougher battles ahead, starting with their Nedbank Cup assignment today .
Still smarting from a 3-1 defeat to Egyptian club ENPPI in the Caf competition, the defending champions visit Platinum Stars for their Nedbank Cup semifinal clash at Royal Bafokeng Stadium tonight .
“We are fine, but I’m more upset than anybody else because I think we should have tried to get to the group stages of the Confederations Cup,” said Hunt yesterday.
“To have played so many games and then fall in the last minute, I think we did brilliantly in Africa also considering the squad we had and the games we played so far.
“But it’s behind us now. We’ve played too many games and I think even Orlando Pirates will struggle next season to fit the entire games into their schedule. It’s going to be tough for South African teams.”
With the Confederations Cup done, United now shift their focus onto their next important competition, the Nedbank Cup, where they stand a chance of silverware.
And no one recognises the importance of winning against Stars more than Hunt. “It’s an away game, it’ll be tough,” said Hunt.
“I mean semifinals are always more difficult than cup finals and this one will be no exception.
“We want to get to the final. That’s for sure because it’s a great occasion and it’ll certainly keep our season going in the next two weeks. I think it is important for us to reach the final.”
But scoring remains a challenge for the Tshwane side, as manifested in their greater number of draws this season.
“It’s been an ongoing problem for us; hence we’ve drawn 15 games so far. But this is another competition to get that right.”
Given a rare start, George Maluleka scored a beauty against ENPPI and the likes of Kermit Erasmus and Sibusiso Zuma were unlucky not to score.
Dikwena, who have never beaten United in 10 home fixtures in PSL history, are also girding their loins for a crunch cup clash. Victory will ensure Cavin Johnson’s side keep dreams of a league and cup double very much alive.
Johnson has warned his men against complacency, urging them to fully focus on the job at hand.
Men such as in-form Thuso Phala and workhorse Benson Mhlongo will again be key for Stars.
Dikwena must beware of a wounded SuperSport beast
But Hunt also urged Matsatsantsa to quickly overcome their disappointment and focus on tougher battles ahead, starting with their Nedbank Cup assignment today .
Still smarting from a 3-1 defeat to Egyptian club ENPPI in the Caf competition, the defending champions visit Platinum Stars for their Nedbank Cup semifinal clash at Royal Bafokeng Stadium tonight .
“We are fine, but I’m more upset than anybody else because I think we should have tried to get to the group stages of the Confederations Cup,” said Hunt yesterday.
“To have played so many games and then fall in the last minute, I think we did brilliantly in Africa also considering the squad we had and the games we played so far.
“But it’s behind us now. We’ve played too many games and I think even Orlando Pirates will struggle next season to fit the entire games into their schedule. It’s going to be tough for South African teams.”
With the Confederations Cup done, United now shift their focus onto their next important competition, the Nedbank Cup, where they stand a chance of silverware.
And no one recognises the importance of winning against Stars more than Hunt. “It’s an away game, it’ll be tough,” said Hunt.
“I mean semifinals are always more difficult than cup finals and this one will be no exception.
“We want to get to the final. That’s for sure because it’s a great occasion and it’ll certainly keep our season going in the next two weeks. I think it is important for us to reach the final.”
But scoring remains a challenge for the Tshwane side, as manifested in their greater number of draws this season.
“It’s been an ongoing problem for us; hence we’ve drawn 15 games so far. But this is another competition to get that right.”
Given a rare start, George Maluleka scored a beauty against ENPPI and the likes of Kermit Erasmus and Sibusiso Zuma were unlucky not to score.
Dikwena, who have never beaten United in 10 home fixtures in PSL history, are also girding their loins for a crunch cup clash. Victory will ensure Cavin Johnson’s side keep dreams of a league and cup double very much alive.
Johnson has warned his men against complacency, urging them to fully focus on the job at hand.
Men such as in-form Thuso Phala and workhorse Benson Mhlongo will again be key for Stars.
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