Supersport united vs Platinum stars in Nedbank Cup

PRETORIA — Having come close on more than one occasion this season, SuperSport United coach Gavin Hunt says his side will be pushing all the way to the final whistle in their Nedbank Cup semifinal on Wednesday night.

Matsatsantsa take on Platinum Stars in Phokeng, outside Rustenburg, intent on getting to the final to defend their knockout title.

Platinum stars

"I know what it’s like, the feeling, to get in there, so we want to have that feeling again," Hunt said on Tuesday. "We need to get through by hook or by crook, and I think, as with everything, sometimes you don’t deserve (rewards), but we deserve something this year."

Following their Nedbank Cup triumph last season, United reached the semifinals of the other major cup competitions — the MTN8 and Telkom Knockout — and progressed to the final of the MTN8, but were defeated by Moroka Swallows.

Hunt hoped his team would capitalise on their consistent performances by lifting a trophy. "Here’s another chance to get into another final. The last four or five cups, we’ve been there or thereabouts.

"For us, it’s about getting into the final, and keeping the profile of the club at a level where we want to keep it and try and be competing all the time."

Hunt’s troops head into the clash after successive defeats, including a disappointing 3-1 loss to Egyptian outfit Enppi in a Caf Confederation Cup clash in Atteridgeville at the weekend, bringing an end to their run in the continental campaign.

"I think we’ve gone so far and just haven’t got over that hurdle, but the team is certainly up for it," Hunt said. "I know we’ll get a reaction from the players tomorrow and that’s important.

"If we go and give it our all on the day and it’s not good enough on the day, well then so be it."

Meanwhile, Stars coach Cavin Johnson was excited to be able to compete for the lucrative cup title, with the winner set to compete in the Confederation Cup next season.

Unbeaten in their last nine outings in all competitions, Johnson said high-flying Stars, still in contention for the league title, were prepared for a battle against United.

"I believe that they will come at us to win," Johnson said. "They will come at us, as Gavin (Hunt) always does because Gavin also still wants to be in Africa.

"He’s just lost to Enppi on Saturday so he will want to come back and make sure that SuperSport has an opportunity to go back to Africa."

Sapa

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