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Johannesburg - SuperSport United coach Gavin Hunt says he was expecting a gruelling the football season with his team's focus to excel in the Premiership and the CAF Confederations Cup championship.
The three-time league winning mentor said his aspiration was to reclaim their place in the domestic league and fight to make history continentally. Hunt was speaking after his club narrowly beat Bloemfontein Celtic 1-0 to win the Free State Government's Reconciliation Cup played at the Free State Stadium in Bloemfontein on Saturday.
"The game was good and very competitive for both teams ahead of the start of the Premiership second leg in a week so. But for us it was a great experience and exercise for young players we have signed and the team as a whole because our focus is not only to improve in the league but also do well in the African Championship.
"Playing in African is a big challenge, it's a war to play in continental competitions.
"I believe it's a good experience for local teams to play in African competitions. We want to go as far as possible in the Confederation Cup while we will be fighting to keep pace with the league," Hunt said.
United qualified for the CAF championship by virtue of winning the Nedbank Cup after beating local rivals Mamelodi Sundowns 2-0 last May. United will open their continental campaign next month taking on Don Bosco on March 1. The Pretoria-based side crashed out of the African Champions League in the second round in 2009.
Celtic's coach Clinton Larsen expressed satisfaction with his players' form.
"I'm happy with the performance by the players. They are picking up at the right time and going into Stars game I believe we will even be in better form," Larsen said.
