Head coach Kaitano Tembo on Wednesday said that SuperSport United are looking forward to making a positive start against a difficult opponent in Black Leopards in their 2020/2021 Premiership opener.
Tembo's side will be aiming to begin their league campaign with a win when they welcome Leopards to the Lucas Moripe Stadium on Saturday.
Matsatsantsa finished last season as the best of the rest, in fourth place - behind champions Mamelodi Sundowns, Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates.
Last season's fourth-placed is also the highest finish the club has had in the previous five seasons (2019/20 - 4th, 2018/19 - 6, 2017/18 - 7, 2016/17 - 5, 2015/16 - 8).
SuperSport will now be aiming to improve even further on last season by breaking into the top three and even with one eye on a potential title push if they get off to a solid start this season.
For the 50-year old Tembo, entering into his third season as head coach, all focus is on taking it a step at a time by first getting off to a positive start in Saturday's opener.
"Last season they got a point against us at home so we're going to try and change that and make sure that we have a really good start to the season," Tembo said.
"Playing at home will give us that opportunity.
"It's not going to be an easy game as Leopards have brought in a number of
new players as well as a new head coach joining the team, so we're anticipating a very
tough game.
Tembo also highlighted the advantage his team perhaps has by having already played a competitive match in last weekend's 3-2 win over Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila in the MTN8 quarter-finals.
"For us we were lucky enough to have already played our first fixture of the season against TTM which gave us a bit of game-time in terms of a competitive match.
"I think that game was very key to us as it gave us an idea of where we are in terms of a squad ahead of our first league game."
Kick-off is at 20:15.
- Compiled by Baden Gillion
