NEWS: Lyle Lakay banks on SuperSport United’s experienced players to pull Gavin Hunt’s side out of DStv Premiership slump

Matsatsantsa A Pitori have been blowing hot and cold, going seven games without a win as Gavin Hunt’s frustration prolongs as they have registered just five points from a possible 21.

The capital city outfit spent a lot of time hovering around the second spot on the log, but now, Steve Barker’s Stellenbosch are the front-runners to finish as runners-up in the Premiership behind a Mamelodi Sundowns side who look certain to secure yet another league crown.

Matters got worse for Hunt’s side this past weekend when they were thumped 4-0 in a Nedbank Cup quarter-final by Stellies, suffering their biggest loss of the season across all competition.

“We are coming off the back of a defeat, which was poor from our side as players. But when it comes to senior players, we all know that it is important to get ourselves out of this situation because we have not won in seven games.

“It takes one game and it’s crucial at this time of the season to pick up points, but I believe that we can start with this one. It is reality, it is the truth that we have not won, and we just have to give more because there is nothing else we can do,” said Lakay.

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The defender enjoyed success with Sundowns where he lifted multiple Premiership trophies and domestic cups and was accustomed to the pressure of staying at the top. He is facing a different kind of pressure at this stage of his career but he is confident that SuperSport can dust themselves.

Lakay is confident that senior players like former Bafana Bafana captain Thulani Hlatshwayo, Siyanda Xulu, and Ricardo Goss will help pilot SuperSport to a safe landing in the final stretch of the season.

“We have to show character because I have been here before personally with Bloemfontein Celtic and Cape Town City, I know how it feels.

“I know that there are more players who have been in this situation before so we just need to dig a bit deeper. Adversity is the breakfast for champions, and this will only make us stronger. We should not give up,” said Lakay.

SuperSport’s next encounter will be Hunt’s eighth successive attempt to get maximum points when The Spartans host coach Phuti Mohafe’s Polokwane City.

Rise and Shine have been quiet about their business this season and are clinging to the hopes of finishing in the top half of the table.

The tie is scheduled for Wednesday evening at the Lucas Moripe Stadium, kick-off is at 19:30.