SuperSport United Season Review: Matsantsantsa survive relegation scare after worst PSL season

Matsatsantsa brought in winger Vincent Pule and Bafana Bafana right back Nyiko Mobbie as marquee signings ahead of the 2024/25 Betway Premiership season.

The club also sold promising youngster Shandre Campbell to Club Brugge, defender Kegan Johannes to Tshwane rivals Mamelodi Sundowns and midfielders Thalente Mbatha and Salaelo Rasebotja to Orlando Pirates.

United began their season with a 3-1 extra time defeat in their MTN8 quarter-final against Orlando Pirates before a 2-0 loss in the Tshwane derby in their opening league match.

The team won their first match of the season in a league encounter against TS Galaxy but then suffered three consecutive losses in all competitions including a 4-0 hammering to Kaizer Chiefs in the Carling Cup Round of 16.

In mid-November, the club announced the signing of 33-year-old Serbian striker Samir Nurkovic on an 18-month contract, as they looked to solve their goalscoring problems.

The Gavin Hunt led side would avenge their cup exit a week later courtesy of a Tashreeq Morris strike, as the team put in a strong finish to 2024, losing just once in their final six matches of the year.

In January, United sold Morris to Kaizer Chiefs whilst announcing the acquisition of Congolese winger Christian Saile from the Soweto giants and Lebo Maboe on loan from Mamelodi Sundowns.

However, United began 2025 with four consecutive losses in the Betway Premiership but managed to progress to the Nedbank Cup round of 16 before completing the double in the league against Kaizer Chiefs with a 4-1 win.

That result was followed by run of four matches without a victory in all competitions, including losing on penalties to Orlando Pirates in their Nedbank Cup quarter-final clash.

On March 21 the club announced that it had parted ways with head coach Gavin Hunt and had decided to replace him with assistant coach Andre Arendse until the end of the season.

The former Bafana Bafana goalkeeper managed to lift the team out of the relegation playoff zone, going unbeaten in his first four matches as interim manager.

Despite three consecutive defeats, United clung onto their PSL top-flight status following a 1-1 draw against Golden Arrows, ending the season in 14th position.

The club struggled after losing experienced key players in previous transfer windows, having to rely on youngsters like defender Ime Okon and left-back Neo Rapoo, who impressed enough to earn their first Bafana Bafana call-ups. 

According to recent reports, the club has agreed to sell its PSL status to a Bloemfontein based businessman for R50million and will be renamed Celtic United ahead of the 2025/26 season.

Here are a few key stats from Matsatsantsa's season:

Key player                   - Bradley Grobler (5 goal contributions - 4 goals, 1 assist)
Top goal scorer          - Christian Saile (5 goals)
Most minutes              - Siphesihle Ndlovu (2457 minutes played)
Clean sheets               - 10 ( Thakasani Mbanjwa - 6, Ricardo Goss - 4)