Chippa United will travel to the Lucas Moripe Stadium for their season opener against Supersport United on Sunday (kickoff 5.30pm).
Matsatsantsa sneaked into the top eight on the final day of the previous season, having endured a disappointing campaign which saw the club part ways with coach Kaitano Tembo.
The Tshwane giants have since brought back their former coach, Gavin Hunt, who guided the team to a historic three consecutive Premiership titles between 2008 and 2010.
Hunt — a former Chippa coach — is looking forward to his second stint with SuperSport and made it known that he would ensure the team was successful and competitive in the PSL.
“There has to be a way the club and coaches or trainers align in the way each party thinks.
“SuperSport has the DNA that I like, and they like the way I will take this club forward,” Hunt said.
“I am really excited and looking forward to the challenge ahead, especially to work with the younger players at the club and build the team to ensure the club is successful and competitive in the PSL.
“I am looking forward to this challenge.”
Chippa narrowly avoided relegation to the Motsepe Foundation Championship on the last day of the previous campaign, which saw them change coaches, with Hunt being replaced by Kurt Lentjies.
However, Lentjies has since been placed on special leave by the Eastern Cape side and Daine Klate has been appointed as the new head coach, having done well as the club’s reserve team last term.
Klate, who is in his maiden coaching job in the local top flight, is relishing facing his former club and feels this could be an advantage for him, having started his career at SuperSport and played under Hunt.
“I’m new to this but coming up against coach Gavin [Hunt] and knowing SuperSport as well, having been there and having made my debut from there and having had good success with the club, and with him as well, I’m looking forward to it,” Klate said.
“So I know a little bit about the club as well. Maybe that could be an advantage to me, but I’m up against a very experienced coach, one who mentored me and one who had success with me.”
SuperSport United will pin their hopes on veteran defenderThulani Hlatshwayo, who has reunited with Hunt after being released by Orlando Pirates.
Hlatshwayo was once considered the best centre-back in the country and his experience at the back will be vital against the Chilli Boys.
Centre forward Bradley Grobler has recovered from his long-term injury and has had a full preseason to prepare for the new campaign.
Grobler, who is one of the best finishers in the country, will be confident of finding the back of the net and helping his side overcome Chippa.
Chippa United will look up to defender Justice Chabalala, who has returned to the side after leaving Pirates.
The nomadic defender will bring some needed experience in the team’s defence, which will help Chippa to keep a clean sheet against Matsatsantsa’s dangerous attack.
Thokozani Sekotlong will spearhead the Chippa offence, having been their most creative player in the league last term with three assists.
The left-footed attacker will have to take up more goalscoring responsibility after Bienvenu Evan Nga’s departure to Pirates and he could be the man to inspire the Chilli Boys to a win over SuperSport. — Supersport.com
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