Johannesburg – SuperSport United will resume their Premiership campaign against Orlando Pirates, at Orlando Stadium, on Saturday, with two of their new signings in the starting line-up.
“Of course Lebo Manyama and Dino Ndlovu will start. They have both done very well,” United's coach Cavin Johnson said.
“Lebo has been here for over two weeks and Dino came yesterday and he is looking sharp.”
Busy in the transfer market, Johnson signed Manyama from Ajax Cape Town while Ndlovu was on loan from Maccabi Haifa.
Johnson believed he had enough players to fill the gap created by George Maluleke's exit, who joined Kaizer Chiefs earlier this month.
“Manyama can play in that position and we have Morne Nel who is more than capable to play there.
“We have a few other options that we can put together and have enough cover for that position.”
The players were up for the challenge after recharging their batteries during the festive break, he said.
“It wasn’t long – I think it was seven days – but for me it was a nice break because it gave the players some off time.
“You never get seasons where you are off on New Year's Day and Christmas, so when players have that, they tend to spend quality time with their families and they come back a lot more refreshed.”
Pirates had a taxing year which saw them lose three cup finals and, after their stretched campaign in the Caf Champions League competition, they now had to play catch-up with their league schedule.
“We are all in the same boat here, starting at the same time” Johnson said.
“Pirates had a difficult 2013, three cup finals back to back and here we are starting the league against them. Both teams have prepared very well for this one and we're looking to give a big performance against Pirates on Saturday.” – Sapa