Gould back to beef up United’s defence
Veteran defender returns after missing the CAF Confed Cup final
With their African safari over, SuperSport United begin their Absa Premiership catch-up programme that will see Matsatsantsa play six games in 22 days.
This translates to a game every fourth day until the festive [season] break on December 20.
The CAF Confederation Cup runners-up return to their domestic expedition with a tricky fix- ture against Ajax Cape Town at Mbombela Stadium tonight (7.30pm).
The two sides are separated by a point at the bottom half of the table, though SuperSport have only played just five games compared to the Urban Warriors, who are not far from concluding their first-round programme.
The remaining batch of fixtures next month will test the depth of coach Eric Tinkler’s side.
Key players from the spine of his regular picks – defender Aubrey Modiba, midfielder Dean Furman and striker Bradley Grobler – are just a game away from suspension having accumulated three yellow cards each so far.
The second-leg final against TP Mazembe in Atteridgeville at the weekend showed some tired legs from a SuperSport side that have been criss-crossing the continent since February.
But Matsatsantsa have welcomed the timely return of defender Morgan Gould, who missed the Confed final, and attacking midfielder Cole Alexander who could be fielded alongside other fringe players tonight.
Despite their struggles, Ajax fancy their chances, especially after an improved showing against AmaZulu that saw them squander a 2-0 lead, something that left coach Stanley Menzo frustrated.
It remains to be seen if the Dutch-born mentor will again unleash rising star Masilake Phohlongo ,who scored on his first start against Usuthu last Saturday.