Both United and City have points to prove
JUST like English Premiership giants Manchester City, SuperSport United are about to enter a new era.
Whereas the Tshwane outfit will be looking to work their way back to the top in the local league, Man City will be striving to translate their financial clout into weighty trophies in the English Premier League.
The two sides will clash in the Nelson Mandela Football Invitational at Loftus Versfeld on Sunday (3pm), in a match that should attract huge local interest.
Despite the obvious differences, ranging from class to money and stature, City and United do share similar goals.
The Tshwane side and City have underachieved in their respective leagues last season and both will be looking to turn their fortunes around in the new season.
The first steps will be taken in the friendly, which will be the first for both City manager Manuel Pellegrini and his United counterpart Cavin Johnson.
Even though it won’t entirely be “hammer and tongs” stuff, the match should be a contest as both sets of players will be eager to leave lasting impressions on their respective coaches.
United seldom play highprofile international teams and this is a unique opportunity for Matsatsantsa to test themselves.
Having spent a week in Stellenbosch in a pre-season camp, Johnson will be keen to get a better idea of his new team in a live encounter.
“It will be a great opportunity for the players to test themselves against some of the biggest names in world football, ” he said.