SuperSport out to dispatch Platinum Stars

SuperSport United are chasing their second 2017/18 Absa Premiership win when they host Platinum Stars on Tuesday at Lucas Moripe Stadium. Kick-off is at 7:30pm.

Having opened their opening league encounter with a loss against neighbours Mamelodi Sundowns, Amatsantsantsa will now want to continue with their winning run in all competitions.

They are fresh from a 2-0 win over Maritzburg United in the MTN8 and have also bagged a 2-1 win over Kaizer Chiefs in the league.

Heading to this one, coach Eric Tinkler will want continuity from his men ahead of their CAF Confederation Cup quarterfinal match against Zesco United on Friday.

On the other hand, the visiting Dikwena will also be hoping to collect their first three points on Tuesday night.

The Rustenburg-based side has endured a poor start in their campaign and have already parted ways with coach Peter Butler.

Set to be in charge for the first time, coach Roger De Sa will want to stun his former colleague at Bidvest Wits - United coach Tinkler - and get a win.

Stars have lost their two opening matches to the Team of Choice and Cape Town City, but they will hope to do better this time around.

Previous starting XI:

SuperSport United v Maritzburg United: Williams, Kekana, Gould, Daniels, Modiba, Phala, Mokoena, Furman, Letsholonyane, Brockie, Grobler

Platinum Stars v Cape Town City: Mzimela, Sithole, Zulu, Nwedihanga, Mbatha, Mere, Mkhabela, Nale, Ngambi, Matlakala, Kunene

Head-to-head:

LAST 10 LEAGUE RESULTS

Season Result Scorers
2012/13 SuperSport 0-1 Stars Botes (pen)
2012/13 Stars 3-0 SuperSport Tshabalala, Ngele, Phala
2013/14 Stars 3-0 SuperSport Botes, Ngele 2
2013/14 SuperSport 1-1 Stars Phala; S. Mthembu
2014/15 SuperSport 3-1 Stars Sithole (og), Grobler 2; Sithole
2014/15 Stars 0-0 SuperSport
2015/16 SuperSport 1-3 Stars Brockie; Msomi, Ntuli, Ng’ambi
2015/16 Stars 0-2 SuperSport Booysen, Nkhatha
2016/17 Stars 1-0 SuperSport Ng’ambi
2016/17 SuperSport 0-1 Stars Ntuli

What the teams are saying:

SuperSport United coach Eric Tinkler:

“I’m not focused on the (MTN8) final, the focus is on Platinum Stars on Tuesday. They have a new coach so they’ll be highly motivated. We’ll turn our focus to the final when it comes,” said Tinkler after the MTN8 match.

“This month is a big one with potentially eight games that we’ll be involved in, so we need to assess the players carefully, ensure there’s good recovery between games and make sure everyone is ready to contribute.”

Platinum Stars defender Luvolwethu Mpeta:

“Yes we are ready for the game and we are looking for the points, we are positive, but we are not under pressure,” said Mpeta.

“Look, the mood is high in camp and we are mentally positive and looking forward to the game. We have a new coach and the understanding is there from the onset. I don't think it will be difficult for us to work with him.

“He is friendly, more positive and I believe we will conquer with him… yeah for me it's about going back home, but there is nothing personal - football is like that. I have to go there and play to enjoy myself because I am a Stars player now.”

Key players for SuperSport United:

Clayton Daniels:

Daniels is solid at the back for Stars and his leadership is something Tinkler will count on as they want their second win. His ability to initiate moves from the back will be an advantage for the hosts.

Jeremy Brockie:

Fresh from netting brace against Maritzburg as they booked a spot in the Wafa Wafa final, Brockie will hope to bring his scoring form upfront and down the Rustenburg-based side.

Key players for Platinum Stars:

Mbongeni Mzimela:

Mzimela has a huge task as the last line of defence. He knows conceding five goals in two matches is not good for the club and he will be the man tasked with helping the defence to shut the back door.

Maboke Matlakala:

Matlakala has joined an ambitious club like Stars from Baroka and his aim is to hit the ground running and help solve the goal drought upfront. His ability to make runs behind the backline will be an added plus for Dikwena.