SuperSport United head coach Gavin Hunt is confident his players are intrinsically motivated for their crucial Nedbank Cup quarter-final clash against Stellenbosch FC on Saturday.

The Pretoria giants boast a strong record against the Western Cape side this season, having collected four points from their previous league encounters. However, with a coveted Nedbank Cup semi-final berth on the line, both teams will undoubtedly raise their game.

Hunt remained tight-lipped about specific tactics but acknowledged the potential impact of weather conditions. “We’ll aim to field a strong team, and the weather will undoubtedly be a factor,” said, who won this trophy in 2012. “Hopefully, we’ll have calmer conditions like we’ve experienced recently.”

While acknowledging Stellenbosch’s attacking prowess, Hunt emphasized his focus on his own team’s strategy. “The most important thing is to focus on our game plan and how we want to play,” he stressed.

Hunt reiterated his stance against using financial incentives for motivation. “If I need to motivate players who are already professionals, then I’m in the wrong job,” he stated. “The drive to succeed should be inherent in footballers, especially young players.”

United’s recent league form has been a concern, with a winless streak since the beginning of the year. However, the Ke Yona Cup presents a golden opportunity for silverware, especially considering their challenging league campaign compared to last season’s “easy draw” that resulted in an upset loss.

“We’ll take it one step at a time, focus on Saturday’s game, and give it our all,” concluded Hunt.

This highly anticipated fixture kicks off at 15:00 PM on Saturday at Danie Craven Stadium, marking the second match of a thrilling Nedbank Cup weekend. Stellenbosch, boasting a 20-game unbeaten streak, will be a formidable opponent for SuperSport United.