Morgan Gould urges SuperSport United to fight for PSL survival
Smiso Msomi | Published 5 hours ago
Former SuperSport United defender Morgan Gould has weighed in on the club's relegation struggles, urging them to return to their roots and fight for survival with the end of the Premiership season fast approaching.
Once a side known for producing South African legends and competing at the top of the table, Matsatsantsa now find themselves in unfamiliar territory – battling relegation.
After a dismal run of form, including a seven-game winless streak across all competitions, they currently occupy the relegation playoff spot.
The latest result was the 1-1 draw with Polokwane City on Saturday, which left them in 14th position with 23 points, only just ahead of 15th-placed Cape Town City on goal difference.
Following the departure of seasoned coach Gavin Hunt earlier in the season, the Pretoria-based outfit turned to former Bafana Bafana goalkeeper Andre Arendse to try and steer them to safety.
However, the road remains tough, with every remaining match crucial to securing their top-flight status.
Gould, who attended an MTN8 Last Legend Standing event by Njabulo Manqana on Saturday, dissected events at his former club.
The 42-year-old made a name for himself at SuperSport during some of the club's most successful periods, reflecting on the situation with a mixture of concern and realism.
'No one is invincible, no one is bigger than the next. There's 15/16 teams that are vying for the trophy, and within that, there must be winners and losers,' he said.
'Unfortunately, SuperSport are at the bottom right now. They are a club that we know for making South African legends and powerhouses.
'So, I think they must just go to the drawing board and look at themselves.'
Gould also pointed to the club's well-known strategy of selling players as a contributing factor to their current plight.
'Their mantra is selling players, unfortunately their selling got to a point where they sold too many players and they hadn't done much integration of the senior players that are left in order to be able to hold the club's mantra,' he explained.
SuperSport have long been nicknamed 'the club of cool dudes' for their confident style on and off the pitch, but Gould noted that the nickname feels out of place at the moment.
'They are nicknamed the club of cool dudes, but at the moment, the cool dudes find themselves wanting,' he said.
Despite the gloom surrounding the club, Gould believes survival is still within reach, given that other clubs are also locked in the battle to avoid the drop.
'They have an opportunity to redeem themselves because they're not the only ones at the bottom. There's Cape Town City, Marumo Gallants, who are also battling for their lives, so it's going to be a tricky last stretch of the season,' he added.
With a few crucial games remaining, SuperSport United will need to dig deep, rediscover their fighting spirit and hope they can preserve their proud top-flight legacy.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The South African
32 minutes ago
- The South African
Kaizer Chiefs launch transfers ahead of Netherlands tour
Kaizer Chiefs have wasted no time strengthening their squad as they prepare for a crucial pre-season tour to the Netherlands in July. With plans to return to domestic dominance, the club has made decisive moves in the transfer market, securing key targets and cutting loose those who no longer fit the vision under head coach Nasreddine Nabi, according to iDiski digital paper. After enduring a challenging first season, Nabi managed to end Amakhosi's long-standing trophy drought by lifting the Nedbank Cup in a high-stakes Soweto Derby, derailing Orlando Pirates' dreams of a historic cup treble. This hard-earned silverware has given Chiefs fresh impetus to restructure the team aggressively. 'Winning the Nedbank Cup was a turning point,' said a club insider. 'But the work has just begun.' In a ruthless shake-up, Sabelo Radebe, Njabulo Blom (following the end of his loan), and Ranga Chivaviro (whose option was not exercised for the 2025/2026 season) have all exited Kaizer Chiefs. Uncertainty looms over several others, including George Matlou, Teboho Potsane, Zitha Kwinika, Fiacre Ntwari, and Samkelo Zwane. Chiefs are reportedly considering loan deals for fringe players and emerging prospects as they balance squad depth with competitive edge. The club has set its sights on a number of fresh talents, including goalkeeper Fiacre Ntwari, who could be heading to Azam FC in Tanzania, the very club from which Chiefs are chasing midfield maestro Feisul Salum. There were also early discussions surrounding a potential move involving Stanley Nwabali of Chippa United, but talks have seemingly stalled, with the Nigerian shot-stopper eyeing a European switch instead. Chiefs' interest in Ime Okon remains strong. The 21-year-old defensive ace is available on a free transfer and is seen as a major boost to Nabi's backline. However, they face stiff competition from rivals Mamelodi Sundowns, who rate him highly as one of the brightest young defenders in the PSL. Reports indicate that Thabiso Monyane signed with Amakhosi two weeks ago after his contract expired at Orlando Pirates. He might not be the only one making the switch across Soweto, Paseka Mako has also been linked to Chiefs, potentially forming a revamped full-back duo. Former Sundowns star Sipho Mbule is also on Chiefs' radar. His agent, Mike Makaab, confirmed that his client has been offered to the club following the expiry of his contract. A deal could bolster Nabi's midfield options with experience and creativity. Additionally, conversations have opened with several Europe-based Bafana Bafana internationals, who are weighing up returns to the South African top flight. Chiefs' growing ambition could make them an attractive destination. Finding a reliable target man has been a top priority for Nabi. With limited options locally, Chiefs are closing in on Etiosa Ighodaro. A powerful forward who has spent the last six years on the books of Sundowns, including loan spells at AmaTuks, Chippa United, SuperSport United, and AmaZulu. Now reportedly eligible for registration as a local player, Ighodaro is inching closer to a Naturena move. A source close to the club stated, 'He fits what Nabi wants up front, strength, movement, and goals.' Should Chiefs secure Ighodaro on a free, it could spark tensions with Chloorkop. But signal a major statement of intent from the Soweto giants. Who should Kaizer Chiefs sign for next season? Let us know by leaving a comment below or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X, and Bluesky for the latest news.
The South African
an hour ago
- The South African
Orlando Pirates eye AFCON U20 star Neo Rapoo
Orlando Pirates have officially approached SuperSport United to enquire about the availability of South Africa's latest teenage football sensation, Neo Rapoo. According to prominent football broadcaster and radio personality Karabo Phasha, the Soweto giants have already made contact with Rapoo's agent to explore a potential transfer. The Bucs' interest in the 19-year-old left-back comes hot on the heels of his standout performances at the 2025 U20 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt. Rapoo played a crucial role in helping the South African U20 squad secure the title and qualify for the upcoming FIFA U20 World Cup in Chile. Weeks before, Pirates reached out to his camp, setting the stage for what could be one of the most exciting transfers in the domestic market. Neo Rapoo isn't just hype, he's the real deal. Promoted to SuperSport United's senior team last season, he has made 15 appearances in all competitions in the 2024/2025 campaign. Showcasing both composure and flair on the left flank. Former SuperSport United head coach Gavin Hunt had already spotted his potential early on. He once remarked, 'One of the best left-backs in the country'. A prediction the young defender is quickly living up to. SuperSport United's current coach, Andre Arendse, couldn't hide his pride when speaking about Pirates target Rapoo's success at the AFCON tournament. 'Fantastic player, and I'm very happy for him. You know, we had a discussion that he's a key member of our squad. He did the job for me before he left,' Arendse said. 'It was important for him to go and realise his dreams. What he achieved in the tournament (AFCON) was fulfilling a dream, and I'm happy we played a part in that.' 'You know, we are a developing club. There's no doubt about that, and the proof is in letting players go to do bigger things. Shandre Campbell is another one who has come through the ranks. So we are very proud of that side of our club.' With Orlando Pirates making the first move, the question now is whether SuperSport United will hold onto their prized asset or let him take the next big step in his career. Will Orlando Pirates close the deal for Rapoo? Let us know by leaving a comment below or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X, and Bluesky for the latest news.
The South African
an hour ago
- The South African
Forget Sixty60, Springboks' Pick n Pay kit has fans cringeing
The Springboks squad has been spotted for the first time in the new kit sponsored by Pick n Pay. Instead of their usual green and gold, the South African national rugby team is donning brighter shades boldly emblazoned with the retailer's name. But like their 'Checkers Sixty60'-inspired aqua jerseys, which debuted during the 2023 World Cup, many fans are not impressed with the new look. The Boks are gearing up to play their first match this year against the Barbarians in Cape Town on 28 June. Over the past few weeks, Springbok players have gathered in preparation for the test match season, which kicks off later this month. The squad has begun intensive training, wearing their new training apparel. The new look design features a green jersey with bright yellow shorts. On social media, Springboks fans were not impressed… @iamkoshiek: 'Look at how they massacred our boys — out here looking like extras in Bollywood. Keep these bad jersey designs for the IPL.' @Capevoetsek: 'No amount of money can justify this @RizzleSimms : 'I take it back. The Checkers shirt isn't too bad'. @glewif2n: 'We're the world champions, and this is the best design on the table?!' Here's what others had to say.. Earlier this year, SA Rugby announced that Pick n Pay had signed a four-year contract as a Tier 1 sponsor. The sponsor's logo is featured on all Springboks match-day jerseys and on the front of all training apparel. The retailer replaces MTN, which previously sponsored the Boks from 2017 up until last year. The brand's name will feature on the back of the jersey in gold above the position number and player name. According to reports, the major move will cost the supermarket group around R70 million per year. In March, the Blitzboks sported the new kit for their game against Uruguay. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp , Facebook , X, and Bluesky for the latest news. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 .
