SuperSport United coach Gavin Hunt has expressed his concern for the stop-start way the Absa Premiership season has kicked off.
United play their second league fixture against Platinum Stars at Potchefstroom’s Olen Park on Wednesday night (7.30pm) — 17 days after they defeated Free State Stars 1-0 at home in their opening fixture.
It gets worse, as Hunt points out: ”Our next game is 10 days after we play Stars on September 27 against Mamelodi Sundowns.
Hunt has a valid point. United are away to Thanda Royal Zulu on October 5 and then there is another Fifa break for the last round of the Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
Said Hunt: ”I have always said in South Africa we do not play enough football. I will welcome next season when we have to finish the league months before the 2010 World Cup finals. That means playing matches every three days, which is far better than playing every two to three weeks.
”I would have preferred to play last weekend rather than wait another three days and play on Wednesday night. But we live in a television age and we have to play when and where we are told.”
Hunt said that like other Premier Soccer League teams, his players struggle to maintain their rhythm with so many early breaks and players away on international duty.
He had six players on international duty playing in the recent international week. Central defender Bongani Khumalo and winger Daine Klate were in the Bafana Bafana squad, Dennis Masina was with the Swaziland national squad, Elias Pelembe, the Mozambican midfield ace, was with his national team, goalkeeper Denis Onyango was with the Ugandan national team and Noah Chivuta played for Zambia.
Said Hunt: ”I am grateful all players returned without any serious injuries. But now my job is to keep the momentum going and pick up from where we left off in beating Free State Stars.”
The defending Premiership champions will be at full strength, but Hunt has respect for Platinum Stars and their coach, Miguel Gamondi. ”Stars are a competitive side. I rate them. But I was surprised we are playing in Potchefstroom. The problem with Olen Park is we will have one man and a dog watching us; but we simply have to get on and get three more points.”
Hunt wants to see his flying winger, Klate, keep up the high standard he has set at the start of the season. ”Klate has talent but he needs to perform week in and week out. I want him to be consistent.”
Hunt admits to having a selection headache with a full squad. But he added: ”That is the type of problem all coaches love to have, and that is a full squad to choose from.”
Klate and left wing Pelembe will be firing in ammunition for veteran striker Glen Salmon, who is determined to break his duck and score his first goal since rejoining United in the pre-season.
Hunt will be wary of Stars strikers Simba Marumo and Luis Rentaria, and will ensure Khumalo and his defenders mark both men tight.
In another fixture on Wednesday night, Moroka Swallows will be hoping to get their first home win of the season when they entertain Ajax Cape Town at the Germiston Stadium. Kick-off is also at 7.30pm.
Both teams started their league campaign with draws. The Birds were surprisingly held 1-1 by newcomers Bay United at Olympia Park in their opening fixture, while Ajax were also held 1-1 at home by the other rookie side, Maritzburg United.
If form runs true then another draw looks to be on the cards. — Sapa