SuperSport United’s season so far is not a good story to tell.
Three trophies gone, one coach sacked, a few flop signings, inconsistent performances and a place outside the PSL top eight doesn’t read well for Matsatsantsa a Pitori, often strong contenders for silverware.
However, not all is lost. SuperSport can still turn things around and go all the way to a Nedbank Cup triumph.
Captain Dean Furman says he and his teammates are desperate to get to the final.
“It’s an opportunity for us to salvage something from what has been a disappointing season. We are focused on this game and desperate to get to the final and go all the way,” said Furman.
He and his teammates have to overcome red-hot NFD side Baroka FC in the semi-final at the Lucas Moripe Stadium today (8.15pm).
Baroka are tricky customers, but Furman says they are acquainted with the NFD leaders’ exploits.
“We have seen them in some cup rounds. They have some terrific results. We know what type of a team they are. We have a very difficult semi-final.
“Baroka will give everything they have. They’ve got to an unbelievable position considering the division they play in.
“It’s important we approach the game in the right mentality. We know it’s going to be a difficult game but it’s up to us that we turn up and put on a performance as if it was a top PSL team,” said Furman.
The men from the Capital City will be banking on hitman Jeremy Brockie to rattle the net and see off the Baroka challenge.
Brockie has done well and may end up as the best player of the tournament if SuperSport win the competition.
The New Zealander says he is more interested in helping Stuart Baxter’s side reach the final than individual glory.
“My focus is to make sure we get ourselves to the final. If I do that by contributing to the scoresheet, then that will be a bonus, but it’s not something I am particularly focusing on,” said Brockie.
Baroka coach Kgoloko Thobejane says they will not be focusing on one player but the whole team.
“Brockie will meet someone who will deal with him. We will focus on SuperSport. We don’t defend against an individual. We can’t have someone following Brockie. We defend against a team,” said Thobejane.
Thobejane and his men play SuperSport on the back of a disappointing 1-0 loss to NFD relegation candidates African Warriors.
A win would have sealed Baroka’s promotion to the PSL but Thobejane says his men have put the disappointment on the back-burner.
“We are determined and ready for the SuperSport game. Against African Warriors, we were in a rush to score. We have to relax and our emotions have to be in check. We have accepted the loss.
“When we get chances, we have to bury them. Matches are won by scoring goals. That’s what we intend doing against SuperSport,” said Thobejane.
“We compete to win. We don’t just want to win against SuperSport, we want to get to the final and win it. If we win, it will be great for us and the people of Limpopo. It will be a historic moment.” - Saturday Star