Cup kings open defence of their Supa8 title

Last season's Cup kings SuperSport United start the defence of their SAA Supa8 crown with a daunting trip to their nemesis, Moroka Swallows, at the Germiston Stadium on Sunday in a quarterfinal clash that will rekindle their old rivalry.

Clashes between these two teams have almost always produced nail-biting encounters with last season's two league games going to entertaining 2-2 and 0-0 draws.

The other feature that is sure to spark excitement into this clash is the fact that these two teams have not met in a Cup fixture in the past three seasons where a winner had to be decided on the day.

In their two league games so far this season, Swallows have been far from impressive losing to Santos and Silver Stars and earning three red cards to key players who are going to be sorely missed against the defending Supa8 champions.

Goalkeeper Greg Etafia was sent for an early shower for handling the ball outside the penalty area and attacking midfielder Pitso Lekone was given a red card for a rough tackle on a Santos player in their opening match of the season which they lost 3-2.

It got worse in their next game against Silver Stars when striker Hareaipha Marumo added to their suspensions woes when he was given his marching orders for hacking an opposition player.

This level of ill-discipline has robbed coach Gavin Hunt of these three valuable members of the playing squad as they embark on a mission for their second podium finish since winning the Absa Cup in 2003.

On Tuesday, Swallows publicist Sipho Xulu said they are looking to get back to winning ways at the expense of United and were aware of how difficult was it going to be against the unpredictable defending champions.

"We are aware of the unhealthy situation that we are facing in terms of suspensions and injuries in our camp, but we are determined to get our campaign on the road this weekend," Xulu said with optimism on Tuesday.

United coach Pitso Mosimane will be hoping that his Bafana Bafana trio of defenders Phil Evans and Ricardo Katza and striker Lungisani Ndlela return from national duty in Iceland injury free.

Meanwhile, PSL action continues on Wednesday with the eagerly awaited Free State derby between Bloemfontein Celtic and Free State Stars at Vodacom Park Stadium in Bloemfontein at 8pm and another potentially tricky encounter between Bush Bucks and Jomo Cosmos at Absa Stadium in East London at 7.30pm.

Celtic coach Paul Dolezar will be looking for a morale boosting victory as they travel to Gauteng on Saturday for a demanding Supa8 clash against Kaizer Chiefs.

In the clash between Bucks and Cosmos, the two teams will be looking to register their first victories of the season after two outings each.