SuperSport United head coach Gavin Hunt has picked the one thing they are struggling with as the season approaches the business end.
The Tshwane side is in second place on the DStv Premiership standings, 23 points behind log leaders Mamelodi Sundowns. Hunt took over as head coach at the start of the current season and is eyeing an impressive finish.
However, his aspirations face a stumbling block with Matsatsantsa “struggling to put the back-four together” due to several injuries the side has experienced lately.
They are missing the services of their three centre-backs, who are currently nursing their injury setbacks. The three are Luke Fleurs, Thulani Hlatshwayo and Thatayaone Ditlhokwe.
The ex-Kaizer Chiefs mentor went on to say that it is not easy to have a good balance of the squad, as they need to be smart in the market and get his side balanced.
GAVIN HUNT ADMITS SUPERSPORT UNITED IS STRUGGLING DEFENSIVELY
“We are really struggling to put the back four together,” Hunt told the club’s media department.
“Luke Fleurs is injured. We’ve all three centre-backs being out.
“We can’t be losing Tyson [Hlatshwayo] and ‘TT’ [Thatayaone Ditlhokwe]. [So] we need cover.”
The 58-year-old mentor further stated that the absence of Hlatshwayo is a huge blow for the Tshwane-based outfit.
“He [Thulani Hlatshwayo] had a big concussion, and concussions are always dangerous, especially when you are playing in that area of the pitch heading the ball,” he added.
“So we are going to have to look and see what’s the story.”
GAVIN HUNT TARGET TO PLAY IN AFRICA
Hunt put it on record that they are aiming to play in the continental competitions because it is of paramount importance for the team.
“I think it’s important we go play into Africa; the top eight, we shouldn’t be concerned about that,” said Hunt.
“We just don’t want to be in the top eight, and we certainly need the club to play in Africa.”
Hunt continued: “We still have a lot of games left, and obviously, we need to get lucky with injuries.
“We have been very unlucky losing two centre-backs. It’s a big blow to us.”
SuperSport have collected 32 points from 19 outings. The club’s next assignment will be against Royal AM away from home on Saturday, 18 February 2023, with kick-off set for 15:30.
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