Linda Moreotsene

Linda Moreotsene

It is only a friendly tournament, but to SuperSport United coach Gavin Hunt there is no such thing as a friendly where the PSL champions are concerned.

The tournament, which takes place at Milpark Stadium and is hosted by Wits University also features the hosts, Platinum Stars and Moroka Swallows.

It is just a practice session to keep players' minds on the ball while others are away with their national teams during this Fifa week, but Hunt will also be taking the opportunity to have a good look at some of his fringe players.

With defender Morgan Gould and striker Katlego Mashego in Equatorial Guinea with Bafana Bafana, others who have not played a big role in the team will get a chance to try and impress the coach.

While United have comfortably found their stride early on in their title defence, when injuries hit key players, Hunt will want to have sufficient back up and be able to sustain the momentum already established.

"I would like to give a couple of under-20 players some exposure, but the tournament also gives me a chance to have a look at the others who have not had regular game time in league matches."

Matsatsantsa boast players such as former Tuks striker George Maluleke and Masibuzane Zongo, who have been kept on the bench by first-class performances by their teammates.

"There are about six players who have not always made the team, but who I will need at some point, especially since we also have the Champions League to consider as well," Hunt said.

The fans will also be keen to see Swallows' new find Phumelele Bhengu, among others, whose two goals sunk Kaizer Chiefs in an Absa Premiership fixture last Sunday.