Following a disastrous start to the season by their own high standards, defending Absa Premiership champions SuperSport United are going on a team building exercise to revive spirit within a team that had won the championship a record equaling three times.
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Although most experts have written them off as far as the championship is concerned, with many tipping one of either leaders Mamelodi Sundowns and challengers Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs, the team is not giving up that easily and intends to fight to the bitter end.
Assistant coach Thomas Madigage strongly believes they have the strength, the ability and determination to retain the championship. He strongly believes that bringing a few new recruits they have identified in key positions could see them bouncing back into contention.
This team building exercise has been standard practise at United for a number of years. But this time they are taking along several new recruits and some young talented players that have featured prominently at the club the previous season in order for them to get the feel of big time soccer.
“We depart for this venue somewhere near Brits towards the end of the week and we hope to return by Monday afternoon,” said Madigage.
“We hope getting away to a secluded place will be ideal for the team, particular in building spirit and bring confidence back in the team.”
Following indifferent performances that were followed by 3-0 beatings at the hands of Orlando Pirates and Bidvest Wits in addition to a 2-0 loss to Kaizer Chiefs, United bounced back to defeat Bloemfontein Celtic 2-1 at the Lucas Moripe Stadium last week.
“We will need a different approach and try to collect as many points as possible if from now onwards,” said Madigage.
“We know what to do and what is expected of us. But first we have to strengthen the team in crucial positions.”
Madigage was not in a position to reveal who they intend signing, but the imminent loss of star central defender Bongani Khumalo who has signed a contract with Tottenham Hotspur means they have to find a suitable replacement as soon as possible.
In addition, the injury prone Emile Baron has not made things any easier for the defending champions who find themselves leaking goals like they have never done before in the past, even though English born Wayne Brown cannot be faulted.
“I believe a fit-again Baron would be fine to get us stable in that position,” said Madigage. Rumours doing the rounds are that Unit could be interested in Sundowns third choice goalkeeper Wayne Sandilands who is also their former player.
But a possible move for Sandilands was ruled out by the team as they fear that should they approach their rivals, Sundowns could propose a swap deal that would include striker Anthony Laffor going to Chloorkop and that is a prospect they do not want to entertain.
However, a confident head coach Gavin Hunt believes that once all their injured players recover from their different ailments, it would strengthen the team and they could make a whole lot of a difference to their approach.
There is Baron, defenders Thabo September and Bongani Khumalo as well as striker Glen Salmon who are all sidelined by an assortment of injuries.
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