South Africa: United Boss Sibiya Adamant They Will Retain League Title

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Business Day (Johannesburg)

29 August 2008
Posted to the web 29 August 2008

Mninawa Ntloko
Johannesburg

NO ONE is going dismiss SuperSport United in a hurry when the holders begin the defence of their domestic premiership title tomorrow night.

After hardly featuring on anyone's list of title contenders when the amateur psychics gazed into their crystal balls at the start of last season, United are now one of the favourites, and club chairman Khulu Sibiya said yesterday they had a marksman's target centred on their backs.

"Definitely, we will be under a lot of pressure this season," Sibiya said.

"Everybody is going to be gunning for us because we have got what they all want - the title. As they say, uneasy lies the head that wears the crown."

But Sibiya warned that the pretenders to their crown would find United in an uncompromising mood as they were not planning to surrender meekly.

"The coach (Gavin Hunt) has done a tremendous job during the off-season and I am happy with what I have seen of the team so far. I know that it is early days but we have the capability of staying on top.

"We have what it takes - the resources, the infrastructure and the financial muscle. We have got to defend this title."

United begin the defence of their title against a Free State Stars side still reeling after coaching changes that came days before the season kickoff.

Ghanaian coach David Duncan earned the dubious distinction of getting the sack before the campaign had even begun and the club's technical director - Owen da Gama - will be in charge at Pretoria's Super Stadium tomorrow.

Da Gama said yesterday while his intention was never to take over Duncan's coaching job, he would make the best out of the short time he has to prepare the team.

"I was put into a chair I did not envisage because I was brought here to work as the technical director and nothing else," Da Gama said.

"Unfortunately David Duncan made the situation impossible and did not want to work with anybody. He was not interested in working with anyone and did not talk to anybody.

"Things got so bad that even (assistant coach) Sammy Troughton had to leave."

But Da Gama said despite the upheaval, he would ensure that Stars compete against United and put up a fight.

"We cannot fold our hands and look for excuses. United are a good side and they proved themselves by winning the league last season. But we have to try and make things happen (tomorrow). We have to make the best out of this situation."

Both teams conceded that defeat would be catastrophic on the opening day of the campaign for either side.

"It is absolutely important that we get off on a winning start," Sibiya said.

"That first game of the season is always crucial and I am sure all the sides are thinking the same thing. I really sympathise with Free State Stars because we will come at them with guns blazing."

Besides the United vs Stars showdown, there are several other intriguing matches that should keep the nation's soccer lovers happy.

Meanwhile, the Premier Soccer League (PSL) said yesterday the MTN8 final between Kaizer Chiefs and Mamelodi Sundowns would be played at Durban's Kings Park Stadium on September 20. The PSL's broadcast partners, SuperSport International, will use the match to showcase its new high definition (HD) technology.

"We are proud to announce that for the first time in local broadcasting circles, we will televise a local sporting event in HD format," said Supersport International head of production Tex Teixeira.

And also for the first time, Supersport will use 22 cameras to televise the game -- the most for any sporting event in SA.

TOMORROW

Moroka Swallows vs Bay United at Olympia Stadium (3pm), Golden Arrows vs Orlando Pirates at King Zwelithini Stadium (3pm), Kaizer Chiefs vs Thanda Royal Zulu FC at Loftus Stadium (8pm), SuperSport United vs Free State Stars at Super Stadium (8pm)

SUNDAY

AmaZulu vs Platinum Stars at Princess Magogo (3pm), Bloemfontein Celtic vs Mamelodi Sundowns at Vodacom Park (3pm)

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