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Football | Absa Premiership

New SuperSport United signings © Gallo Images

Hunt backs new SuperSport signings



SuperSport United, beefed up by five new signings, have the players to challenge for titles next season, according to coach Gavin Hunt.

United unveiled Bevan Fransman, Innocent Mdledle, Ronald Mohlaka, George Maluleka and Roscoe Pietersen on Thursday.

“I always try and sign players that want to win things,” Hunt said.

“Whenever you make signings the intention is always to improve on what you had before.

“Within the constraints of our budget I think we've done very well with what we've brought in.

"The proof will be on the football pitch, because results prove if they [the choice of players] were good or not.

Hunt believed the United squad, was "much stronger" than last season, when they finished third in the league campaign.

“We've got a youthful squad, a lot of younger players, and with a couple from our youth development it will add value," he said.

"But the proof will be on the pitch, because we need to get results.”

With the players they had available, Hunt felt SuperSport had the resources to adopt a number of different strategies as they go in search of their fourth Premiership title in six seasons.

“What we have got is versatility and horses for courses," he said.

"If you want to go long, if you want to go short, if you want to play high or low, we've got all the different options.”

The highest profile signing was Fransman, who previously plied his trade in Israel with Hapoel Tel Aviv.

“Bevan Fransman came in – big signing for us, he played [Uefa] Champions League last year [2010/11 season], a much higher level than anything in South Africa.

“I worked with him for two years. He's the right age for us.

"He's a good leader, he has what we need as a leader and I think he'll give it to us.”

Hunt said Mdledle and Mohlaka would fill key roles in defence.

“Across the back, we've got Innocent [Mdledle]," he said.

"We're going to give him a chance. At left-fullback we need a bit of cover and experience there.

"I always like players that come in and want to prove something.

“Young Ronald [Mohlaka], the other fullback from Aces – I've watched him for a year now, and he has potential.

"Left back is huge problem in South Africa and I think he's got great potential.”

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