Coach goes full throttle
BAXTER: WE WILL NOT LIFT OUR FOOT OFF THE PEDAL AS WE GO FOR THE WIN
Idea is for United to rediscover their confidence.
Regardless of the Nedbank Challenge falling in the friendly game category, SuperSport United coach Stuart Baxter will use tomorrow’s game against the Nedbank Ke Yona team at the Sinaba Stadium in Daveyton, as an opportunity to get his team to regain confidence after losing both their games so far this season.
The initiative has the sole aim of exposing young developing talent, sees the reigning champions of the Nedbank Cup playing against a team which has been scouted from around the country, and leading the search were no less than Bafana Bafana coach Shakes Mashaba, his assistant Owen da Gama, Mike Mangena, and Mamelodi Sundowns assistant coach Khabo Zondo.
Zondo says handpicking the team from over 2 500 players has been the most difficult part of their journey, but is confident that they have assembled a team that will give Matsatsantsa a Pitori a run for their money.
“We are ready, the journey has been long enough and it has been testing. We fought when we were deliberating on these players, because we all have different understandings. The fact the players are talented makes it difficult for us to pick a team.”
Zondo also added that this year’s team is made up of players who are younger than 23, who are short of experience, but are exciting to watch.
United coach Baxter says his side will not lift their foot off the pedal, as they go into the game to get the win.
“I think this is a great opportunity for football development in the country and a good initiative from the sponsors. With regards to playing them, we are looking forward to a highly competitive match and will approach it like any other professional match and play to win,” he said.
In contrast, Ke Yona captain Bongani Mbuli is confident that this year’s team will cause an upset against their more fancied opponents, and will look to make history by becoming the first Ke Yona team to win the Nedbank Challenge.
“We have a very strong squad of youngsters who are eager to not only make an impression with professional clubs but change the record books. We have nothing to lose and want to give it our all,” said a confident Mbuli.