SuperSport United defender Ime Okon will be expected to play a key role against Golden Arrows in Gavin Hunt’s 1000th game as coach. Itumeleng English Independent Newspapers
In a much-anticipated Betway Premiership clash, Golden Arrows will venture to Pretoria to face SuperSport United, determined to spoil the celebratory atmosphere surrounding coach Gavin Hunt’s landmark 1000th game in professional football.
Scheduled for 5:45 PM at the historic Lucas Moripe Stadium, this encounter carries a weight of significance beyond mere league points.
A multiple time league winner with Matsatsantsa and Bidvest Wits, Hunt’s career has seen him rise to becoming one of the most successful coaches in the domestic game.
However, despite their respect for his achievements, Arrows are expected to try and capitalize on what is expected to be an evening of jubilation in the Supersport camp.
Counting down to Coach Gavin Hunt's 1⃣0⃣0⃣0⃣ matches 👊💙#MatsatsantsaUnified pic.twitter.com/EA7Bad7JbQ
— SuperSport United FC (@SuperSportFC) February 20, 2025
Both teams are currently lodged in the middle of the table, separated by just a single rank, with SuperSport positioned 12th and Arrows sitting slightly higher in 11th, both having attained a total of 20 points thus far.
Their equal standings set the stage for an evenly matched contest, revealing the closeness of their competition and past encounters.
Arrows come into this match after their midweek fixture against Orlando Pirates was postponed, giving them a much-needed respite and time to develop strategies crucial for their aspirations to break into the league's top eight.
With a mixed record of five wins, five draws, and five defeats this season, the team is striving for consistency. They have scored 13 goals while conceding 16, leaving them with a slight defensive advantage over their opponents.
Arrows have exhibited resilience in recent performances, managing one win, three draws, and a single defeat in their last five matches—demonstrating their determined mindset when it comes to grinding out results including a famous one against Kaizer Chiefs.
✈️ Abafana bes’thende are off to Pretoria to take on SuperSport United on Sunday 23 Feb, at Lucas Moripe stadium. Catch them live on SS PSL at 17:45 #10betgoldenarrows #sthendeway #greenandgold pic.twitter.com/YeAN7CXAVA
— Lamontville Golden Arrows FC (@goldenarrowsfc1) February 21, 2025
This evolving dynamic is reflected in the tactical mindset promoted by former players Musa Bilankulu and Kagisho Dikgacoi, who have been emphasising a robust defensive approach while exploiting counter-attacks effectively.
Key players like Siyanda Mthanti and Angelo Van Rooi are expected to be instrumental in bolstering their attacking threat, while Gladwin Shitolo anchors the defence as seen in previous weeks.
Tactical discipline will be paramount for the Arrows as they square off against a SuperSport side buoyed by their recent victory over Amakhosi, a result that may have invigorated their confidence heading into this clash.
With recent arrivals Samir Nurkovic and Christian Saile having scored in the last encounter, Arrows are expected to have a hard day at the office trying to keep them quiet.
The last time these teams met, the match concluded in a goalless draw, encapsulating the fierce competitiveness that has characterised their prior encounters.
The historical data from their previous five meetings reveals one win for Matsatsantsa, two for Arrows, and two draws, further implying that fans should brace for yet another tightly contested match.
As Hunt approaches this significant milestone in his coaching career, he is undoubtedly eager to commemorate it with a victory.
However, the Arrows are primed to seize this opportunity, driven by their ambition to rise in the league standings and disrupt Hunt’s celebratory occasion.