SuperSport United: Who are the South Africans hoping to edge out Gor?

Sixteen-time Kenyan Premier League champions were drawn against South African side SuperSport United in the Caf Confederation Cup play-off scheduled for April 6 and 17. But who are SuperSport United?

Popularly known as Matsatsantsa, the team is based in Pretoria — about 75km from the capital Johannesburg — and play their home matches at 28,900-seater Lucas Moripe Stadium.

They last clinched the Premier Soccer League (PSL) title in the 2009/10 season. Overall, they have 13 trophies in their cabinet — three PSL, five Nedbank Cup and one Telkom Knockout, MTN 8, Sparletta Cup and the 1995 second division titles.

Founded 24 years ago, the club is wholly owned by South African group of television channels, SuperSport, and owns one of the best youth academies in the country.

The Eric Tinkler-led side were runners up in the 2017 Confederation Cup losing 2-1 aggregate to Congolese giants TP Mazembe in the final. In the PSL, they’ve endured a tough run sitting 10 points off the drop zone with 27 points from 24 rounds.

En route to the final, they eliminated Zambian side Zesco United and Tunisia’s Club Africain in the quarter and semifinal stage respectively.

This will be their second time playing on Kenyan soil after holding Gor's rivals AFC Leopards to a two-all draw in the return leg of the same competition on March 9, 2014, at the Nyayo National Stadium.

The side, then handled by coach Cavin Johnson, progressed to the second round 4-2 on aggregate at the expense of James Nandwa-led Ingwe who scored through James Situma and Allan Wanga.

“I believe Gor can easily eliminate them but they must win by a large margin at home. Their wingers can penetrate through any defence and that’s what cost us in both legs but in terms of hospitality, they are very good people with perfect facilities,” Nandwa said.