SuperSport United coach Gavin Hunt is beefing up his squad ahead of the start of the Absa Premiership with the emphasis on attack for what will be the toughest season ever.

The champions open the defence of their title against Maritzburg United at the Woodburn Stadium on August 8.

But Hunt will get a first look at his players in competitive action when they face AmaZulu in the quarterfinals of the MTN8 on August 4.

Said Hunt: "We are still waiting for a venue for the MTN game, but we are looking forward to the start of the season.

"I am not worried by the fact we could be playing two or three matches a week. Playing regularly keeps players fit and on their toes."

Hunt also said he would not be increasing his squad due to the fact it will be a short league season that ends on February 28, in order to allow Bafana Bafana head coach Joel Santana at least three months to work with his national team players ahead of the 200 World Cup finals.

"I will strengthen departments that need it, but I will not need more than 25 players in my squad."

United scored the most goals last season but Hunt was not satisfied and has signed Ugandan stiker Brian Omany and promising forward Thabo Mongalo, from First Division outfit Black Leopards, but has lost Ethiopian Fikru Tefera, who has moved to the Czech Republic.

"We could have scored double the number of goals last season, had we taken just half the chances we created.

"It was one of my frustrations and despite scoring the most goals, we need to improve in that department and that is why I have added to the strike force after sadly losing Fikru."

Omany, who played against United for Kampala City Council in last season's African Champions League, and Mongalo, would compete against Glen Salmon, Anthony Laffor and another new face in Siyabonga Nkosi who can play as an attacking midfielder or as a second striker.

Nkosi failed to made the Bafana squad that contested last month's Confederations Cup, but Hunt believes the former Kaizer Chiefs and Arminia Bielefeld midfielder, will do a valuable job in helping his side equal neighbours Mamelodi Sundowns record of winning three successive Premiership tittles.

But with the retirement of former Bafana goalkeeper Andre Arendse at the end of the season, Hunt has signed Emile Baron form Kaizer Chiefs.

"I have brought in Baron to compete for the number one jersey. He is a top class keeper and will add more competition."

Hunt has also added experienced midfieler Jabu Maluleke, to his squad and said he would be looking for more new players before August.

"I have a few plans in the pipeline and we will make an announcement as soon as the deals are signed and sealed.

Sapa

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