SuperSport United will go head to head with Richards Bay in their opening DStv Premiership match to be played at the Peter Mokaba Stadium on Saturday.
Kick-off is at 3:00 pm CAT.
CURRENT FORM
SuperSport wrapped up their 2022/23 season with a 1-0 defeat to Sekhukhune United as their six-match unbeaten run in the DStv Premiership came to an end.
Matsatsantsa are coming into their clash with Richards Bay having held their pre-season camp in Durban where they played friendly matches against Royal AM and Golden Arrows.
Richards Bay, on the other hand, are winless in their last 15 matches in the DStv Premiership having ended the 2022/23 campaign with a 0-0 draw against Royal AM.
The Natal Rich Boys took part in pre-season tournaments such as KwaZulu-Natal Premier's Cup and Prince Mangosuthu Legacy Cup as part of their preparations for the new season.
TEAM NEWS
SuperSport are likely to be without George Chigova who has reportedly suffered a suspected heart attack and the club has since signed fellow Zimbabwean goalkeeper Washington Arubi.
Meanwhile, Richards Bay will be without the suspended duo of Sanele Barns and Boikanyo Komane who recently joined the Natal Rich Boys from All Stars.
WHAT WAS SAID?
New SuperSport United defender Siyanda Xulu
“I am feeling very grateful. It’s another opportunity to play at home, which is something that I needed now. When you get to this age, the one thing you need the most is stability," Xulu said.
"SuperSport United gave me what I needed at the right time. I’m very excited about the new journey, It’s not only about me but also all about the team. The reason why I joined this marvellous club is that I saw a team that was headed in the right direction.
"I am still new here; I need the other guys to help me get organised just so we can get to business.”
Richards Bay coach Kaitano Tembo
"They should be winning the league. I don't think there should be any excuse. SuperSport should be competing with teams like Mamelodi Sundowns now," Tembo said.
"But at the same time for us, we have to prepare ourselves properly so we can go out there and get positive results. We are still lacking, especially upfront ... we need better quality as well as one strong midfielder.
"Someone who has the qualities that will communicate because we don't have a leader. So in that position, you need someone who can lead rather than us shouting from the bench all the time. We need leadership qualities in that position."
PLAYERS TO WATCH
SuperSport United
Godspower Ighodaro: The Nigerian marksman recently joined SuperSport on loan from Mamelodi Sundowns after a successful loan stint at Chippa United.
Ighodaro hit the back of the net 11 times in 23 matches across all competitions and he will surely bring goals to Hunt's side where he will be surrounded by quality creative players.
Richards Bay
Somila Ntsundwana: With Barns suspended, Richards Bay will look to the towering centre forward who was directly involved in five league goals last season.
Ntsundwana will pose a threat to the SuperSport defence with his imposing physique and aerial ability having netted four goals and provided one assist for the Natal Rich Boys last term.
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