Premier Soccer League champions SuperSport United have showed faith in their squad and did not make any new signings before the transfer window closed on Monday night.
United were rumoured to be interested in Mamelodi Sundowns’ injury prone striker Sibusiso Zuma, but United coach Gavin Hunt said while he liked Zuma, he could not afford his salary.
Zuma, the former Bafana Bafana star, joined the big-spending Brazilians from German club Arminia Bielefeld at the start of last season but injuries and loss of form saw the 34-year-old sidelined to the treatment room and bench for most of last season.
Zuma’s reputed monthly salary of R200 000, has scared off most clubs, including United.
Said Hunt: ”I must admit to be an admirer of Zuma and I could use another class striker to strengthen my attack, but we simply cannot afford him.
”Also there is a question mark over his fitness. His injuries last season are well documented and he might be a risk, especially at his age.”
However, Hunt is not happy with his attack after his strikers fired blanks when they lost 1-0 to Ajax Cape Town at the Super Stadium at the weekend.
”Our strikers are not scoring goals and it has cost us points during this early part of the season. My defence, which has been the backbone of winning two consecutive PSL Premiership titles, has also looked a bit suspect this season.”
But Hunt, whose side have collected only five points form four matches, is not pushing any panic buttons. ”We have had worse starts to the season than this one and I am not worried as it is still early days.”
Hunt gets the chance to rectify matters during the 10-day Fifa international break. United’s next Premiership fixture is against neighbours Sundowns in a Pretoria derby at the Super Stadium on September 12.
Hunt is also considering giving goalkeeper Emile Baron his debut soon. The former Bafana keeper joined the PSL champions from Kaizer Chiefs in the off-season, but Hunt has employed Ugandan international keeper Denis Onyango for the opening four league matches.
”I think Baron is ready to fight for his place. There is a lot of healthy competition and he is starting to push hard and showing he is ready to challenge for the number one jersey.”
Meanwhile Downs confirmed they had signed Bafana left-back Innocent Mdledle from Orlando Pirates. — Sapa