SuperSport feel CAF obligation

Downs, Bucs raise bar for Bax’s boys

SuperSport United feel they have an obligation to keep flying the SA flag high after Mamelodi Sundowns’ CAF success last year.

Matsatsantsa begin their Confederation Cup group stage campaign by hosting Guinean side Horoya at Lucas Moripe Stadium tonight (7pm).

Head coach Stuart Baxter says there is no pressure on the team to emulate Sundowns, who won the CAF Champions League last year, by doing well on the continent, but rather an obligation to the country.

“I don’t think because one team is successful it brings pressure, so I don’t think that’s the right word,” said the Englishman, who was flanked by team captain Dean Furman during the prematch press conference in Atteridgeville yesterday.

“But you do feel an obligation, because once the bar has been raised to a certain level, you do your absolute best to continue the trend. It is not only because Sundowns did well, but Orlando Pirates also did well so we want to continue that trend,” he said.

SuperSport are in Group D with Horoya, DR Congo side TP Mazembe, who are the holders and Gabon’s CF Mounana.

Furman, meanwhile, believes the players are up for the challenge. “The mood is good; we are coming off a couple of good victories. The lads are rested,” said the midfielder. “We know the importance of the CAF competition and we’ve seen in our qualification campaign the importance of winning at home,” he added. U-20 star midfielder Teboho Mokoena remains with SuperSport despite being called up to Amajita’s World Cup squad and is likely to feature against Horoya.

Horoya coach Victor Zvunka promised that the Guineans will give SuperSport a run for their money.

“I’ve been waiting for this game. We are here to compete, not sit around and watch,” stated the Frenchman, who’s been with Horoya for 18 months. Another SA side in Confed Cup group action this weekend is Platinum Stars, who will host Algerian side MC Alger at Royal Bafokeng Stadium on Sunday (5pm).