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United target home games
05/05/2008 16:29 - (SA)
Johannesburg - SuperSport United coach Gavin Hunt has targeted his next two home matches as the Absa Premiership race reaches a climax.
With three fixtures remaining, United lead the pack with 48 points, one better than Ajax Cape Town who could go top on Wednesday night if they beat AmaZulu at the Athlone Stadium.
But Hunt is focused on beating his former club Moroka Swallows at the Super Stadium on Saturday and then Golden Arrows at the same venue next Wednesday.
United end their programme with an away trip to the Seisa Ramabodu Stadium on May 18 where they play Bloemfontein Celtic.
Said Hunt: "It is all about getting results. The bottom line is that if we want to win the league we have to win our last two home matches.
"It is up to us. I am confident we can do the business. Collecting maximum six points from our two remaining home games would almost see us over the finish line."
United did well to draw 0-0 against the only other side that can challenge for the championship, Santos, at a wind swept Athlone Stadium last Wednesday night.
"That was a good result for us. The conditions were bad but now I have a full strength squad to pick from against Swallows," said Hunt.
Has not lost his passion
Hunt has his captain and influential central defender Ricardo Katza back from a long term injury. Striker Fikru Teferra, midfielders Letladi Madbanya and Shane Poggenpoel also made their return against Santos.
But the player who inspired United against Santos was their veteran former Bafana Bafana goalkeeper Andre Arendse who will turn 41 on June 27, but has not lost his passion for the game or his reflexes.
Said Hunt: "Arendse did brilliantly in the first half against Santos with two tremendous saves but after half-time the wind ruined the game and I was happy to come home with a point. Having those senior players back makes a huge difference."
The United coach was in charge of the Birds for five years and knows their strengths and weaknesses more than anyone else.
"Sure I know every player. They are an attack minded side. They score goals but at the same time concede goals. I have a plan up my sleeve. But the main thing is that I want my players to play their normal game and play with more freedom."
The Birds have had an up and down season. They are seventh on the table and need points to secure their place in the top eight at the end of the season and would like nothing more than to upset their former coaches title aspirations.
- SAPA
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