‘SuperSport to challenge for everything’
CLAYTON DANIELS reckons this could be the season SuperSport United finally win the PSL title again, after having gone five campaigns without it.
The last time Matsatsantsa won the league was back in the 2009-10 season, Gavin Hunt helping them keep the trophy for good as they won the title a third consecutive time.
The towering centre back knows though that ending a sixyear drought at the club is not going to be an easy feat for them to reach.
They’ve got about 16 league fixtures to go before they can start fantasising about being crowned league champions again.
Tonight, SuperSport host Golden Arrows in their final match of the season’s first round at the Lucas Moripe Stadium (7.30pm kickoff). Daniels says a win in this encounter will play a massive role in ensuring they maintain their place at the helm, given how tight the league race is among the championship race front-runners who also include Wits and Cape Town City. “Yes, definitely,” Daniels, said. “Every game is very important for us. We want to challenge for everything that’s on offer for us. I believe that we have a healthy enough squad to do just that.” Besides challenging for the league title this season, the Bafana Bafana international and his teammates would also love to defend their Nedbank
pictured,
Cup title while also pushing hard to go as far as they possibly can in their Caf Confederation Cup.
SuperSport will take on a Madagascan side, Elgeco Plus FC, in their preliminary-round first leg fixture this weekend in Antananarivo, Madagascar.
But first, Daniels said, it was very important that they pushed for maximum points against a side that is going to be very difficult to beat in tonight’s league clash.
“We’ll be playing against a very competitive side in (tonight’s) match,” Daniels said of Abafana Bes’thende.
“I’ve worked with coach (Clinton)Larsen before during our time at (Bloemfontein) Celtic and he’s a quality coach. They are not doing bad for themselves in the league race as they are currently sixth on the standings. It’s going to be an interesting match and I’m looking forward to it.”
Meanwhile, the 32-year old also welcomed the arrival of Mandla Masango at the club, saying that his presence in the team has added to the level of competitiveness that’s already there. Daniels also reckons strong competition among players in the squad, will go a long way towards ensuring they challenge for everything that’s on offer for them this season.
“It’s nothing but healthy competition, really,” Daniels said.
“Everyone is just fighting to be in the starting eleven and that’s a good thing. We support each other. There’s no one who is looking down on the other player thinking that the other is better than the rest. No, nothing like that.
“Looking back (at my career), I believe that this is one of the best sides I’ve ever played for. The character and quality of this squad is just incredible. I’m happy to be part of this team.”