SuperSport United 2022-23 Season Review - Home fortress leads to CAF place

After his appointment, most people would have tipped SuperSport to finish in the top five. They lost some key players in the transfer window to Sundowns and it was expected to be a season of transition. 

SuperSport overperformed under four-time league winning coach, Gavin Hunt. They finished third and qualified for the CAF Confederations Cup although they may feel some disappointment not to have taken a top two finish.

A number of SuperSport players had top seasons. Thulani Hlatshwayo excelled in defence with a point to prove after his time at Orlando Pirates. Grant Margeman was outstanding in central midfield on his loan from Sundowns. 

Other players who had great seasons were winger Thapelo Maseko, midfielder Siphesihle Ndlovu and goalkeeper Ricardo Goss. Thatayaone Ditlhokwe and Onismor Bhasera deserve honourable mentions at the back.

SuperSport United beat Mamelodi Sundowns in September it was quite a fortunate win. Their 1-0 win against Kaizer Chiefs in Round 29 was amongst their best. 

Back-to-back 3-1 home wins in October vs Royal AM and Sekhukhune United were impressive. Both victories saw them put up 2.20 Expected Goals.

Many of the club’s best performers were new signings, including Thulani Hlatshwayo and Grant Margeman. Siphesihle Ndlovu was a great addition from Orlando Pirates too. 

Perhaps the only new signing who was a disappointment was striker Thabang Sibanyoni.

The biggest issue to improve is the side’s poor away form. They went unbeaten at home but finished the campaign on an eight-match winless run on their travels. They failed to even score in five of their last seven away fixtures. 

There is not much else to improve. Gavin Hunt’s side were strong defensively and scored a reasonable number of goals. They will need to sign another striker to take the load off veteran Bradley Grobler. 

SuperSport have agreed to sign left back Ronald Pfumbidzai from Chippa United on a free transfer. Centre back Thatayaone Ditlhokwe has agreed to join Kaizer Chiefs. 

Some regular starters like Grant Margeman and striker Zakhele Lepasa are only on loan. Phathu Nange is a target from Kaizer Chiefs to replace Margeman. 

Overall, it will be looked at as a fine season for SuperSport. Gavin Hunt built a strong and consistent team with a clear identity. He also blooded some young players like Kegan Johannes on a regular basis. 

The problem they face is that they could have a lot of squad turnover in the off-season transfer window.