If Mamelodi Sundowns are to win a seventh consecutive title in 2023/24, they are probably going to work much harder than they did, because SuperSport United coach Gavin Hunt is building a monster capable of dethroning the Tshwane giants.
Often hammered for selling their stars to Tshwane rivals Sundowns, Matsatsantsa are working tirelessly behind the scenes to bring in the type of talent and experience that could see them pushing Rulani Mokwena's side to the very end of the coming season. Yes, SuperSport have sold Thapelo Maseko and Patrick Maswangwanyi to Sundowns and Orlando Pirates respectively, but with the squad they are working on, don't count them out as a genuine title contender and probably the biggest threat to Sundowns' thrown.
Bringing in Phathutshedzo Nange, Ronaldo Pfumbidzai, Washington Arubi and Terrence Dzvukamanja, and securing permanent deals for Siphesihle Ndlovu and Grant Margeman is a clear sign that they mean business. And don't think that they are done. These are experienced players who will come in and add a great deal of value, especially with the club participating in the CAF Confederation Cup, which can be taxing depending on how far they go in the competition.
With Dzvukamanja upfront, they have a striker who they can rely on for goals, while experienced Bradley Grobler is still there and more than capable of reaching double figures in a season. Pfumbidzai gives them speed and defensive abilities at left back, while Nange can play in a deep or offensive midfield role, where there is enough depth in the form of Margeman and Ndlovu. The goalkeeping department will be strong with Arubi as an option.
The club is believed to currently be in the market for a central defender to replace Thatoyaone Ditlhokwe, who left them on a free transfer to join Kaizer Chiefs. So, they are probably not done in the market, which means the team will get stronger before the transfer window closes.
Hunt has always been about playing winning football. At times, it may not be pretty, but it's most certainly effective. With a solid defence, two midfielders who can break down attacks and make the team play, as well as a winger who can whip in crosses into the box for strikers, Hunt can certainly make a strong case for the title.
At some point last season, SuperSport were in second place, but let themselves down by dropping points in games they should have won. Hunt is going into his second season with the club since his return and he would have no doubt taken valuable lessons from what happened last term. We could see a much stronger SuperSport side that will give Sundowns a run for its money and possibly go all the way to lift the league title for the first time since 2009/10. Don't rule out that.
Hunt knows how to win league titles and that experience will come in handy when the new season gets underway.
