Linda Moreotsene

Linda Moreotsene

Platinum Stars coach Miguel Gamondi concedes he has the utmost respect for his counterpart at SuperSport United, Gavin Hunt, ahead of tonight's match at Olen Park (7.30pm).

But Gamondi also thinks he has assembled a team capable of handling anything the Tshwane outfit might throw at them.

Gamondi would have noticed that while United strikers have been slow out of the blocks so far this season, the danger posed by Matsatsantsa a Pitori when coming from the midfield has been enormous.

Daine Klate and Brent Carelse have been outstanding, with Klate even getting a Bafana Bafana call-up for his troubles, while at the back Tsietsi Mahoa has been his usual dependable self.

"It will be nice to play the champions, whom I think have some of the most talented and consistent players in the league," said Gamondi.

Respect aside, the Argentinian would be itching to see how the team he has assembled this season will fare against a no-nonsense United side.

Hunt is said to have told Oscar Ntwagae that the chances of him un- seating Mahoa from the left-back position were slim, resulting in Ntwagae leaving United.

Ntwagae might have an axe to grind after that rejection. Godfrey Sapula, Edward Williams, Simba Marumo and Bafana Tshabalala are the other players to watch out for at Stars.

United captain Ricardo Katza said all that matters is the three points and having made a good start they plan to keep the momentum going.

"We already have the three points and we have to get our defence on track. These players are fired up, and will do what is necessary to win," Katza said.

Gamondi said he has a Ghanian defender on trial and with two foreign places still up for grabs, it seems his mission to fortify his team has yet to be completed.