The ManicaPost
Moffat Mungazi
Sports Reporter
VETERAN Sakubva-bred defender, Onismor “Bash” Bhasera is relishing his new role as SuperSport United captain and has declared that he is geared for a glorious reign.
The Warriors full-back was handed the armband for the 2022-2023 season by coach, Gavin Hunt who made a return to the Tshwane outfit at the start of this campaign for a second spell in charge.
The pair is reuniting after another stint together at the now defunct Bidvest Wits.
Bhasera replaces Ronwen Williams as the skipper after the goalkeeper switched to champions, Mamelodi Sundowns.
The development reinforces the confidence the club has in his abilities after he was named the team’s Player of the Season for the 2021-2022 term after standout performances in 32 appearances across all competitions during which he was a nailed-on starter in the first XI over 28 games.
His versatility at the back saw him playing as both a left-back and central defender.
Hunt said he went for experience, professionalism and leadership on and off the pitch when settling for his skipper and the seasoned defender aptly fits that bill.
Speaking to Post Sport from his South African base, Bhasera said he feels honoured and up to the task.
“Such a huge responsibility at a big club like SuperSport United is enormous. While I am delighted about this appointment, it also challenges me to work hard and this means I have to play well and lead by example every time.
“This is no mean responsibility and I have so much to look forward to during this season. I am confident that I will deliver,” said the tough-tackling defender.
The ageless left-footed player said he is eyeing a podium finish with the Pretoria-based side and keen to make history.
He said: “Winning silverware has to be a culture at SuperSport United. Our goal is to be the champions in every competition that we contest from the league championship to all the domestic cups.
“And the target this season, like any other, is to challenge for top honours. We have a squad that can do the job and if we keep focus and stay determined then we can do it. As a club, we are set to achieve great things together as we are a formidable force capable of rising to the occasion.”
Playing a huge part during the campaign in SuperSport United’s quest to lift trophies is the only way he can pay back the faith shown in him by the coach and the club, he added.
The team opened its account this campaign with a 1-1 home draw to Chippa United.
However, Bhasera took no further part in the match after limping off in the 38th minute.
He sat out the subsequent three matches, with the team losing two and drawing one of those.
The skipper made a victorious return to the fold to help his side to a crucial 1-0 victory away to Richards Bay.
SuportSport United will be out to keep the winning momentum going when they host title holders Mamelodi Sundowns this evening (Friday).
Matsatsantsa have been home to Bhasera for the past six years following his arrival from Bidvest Wits in July 2016 after they disposed of their franchise.
He was part of the triumphant troops that clinched the MTN8 trophy in 2019 under the tutelage of former Dynamos and Warriors tough-as-teak defender, Kaitano Tembo.
During that fruitful campaign, the La Sakubva juniors product was honoured by SuperSport United and received the Coaches Award.
At 36, Bhasera becomes not only the oldest, but one of the longest-serving players whose experience will be handy in providing guidance in the dressing room and on the pitch.
The ex-Kaizer Chiefs man has been playing in South Africa since 2005 after joining Tembisa Classic before they changed their name to Maritzburg United after putting their franchise up for grabs.
Bhasera has also turned out for Golden Arrows and Jomo Cosmos in South Africa and also enjoyed a brief stint at Plymouth Argyle in England.
At SuperSport United he shares the locker room with ex-Warriors shots-stopper, George Chigova.
The ambitious club will be keen to not only break into the top four but also gun for a berth that comes with participation in the continental club competitions.
SuperSport United only managed to secure eighth spot last term, having twice finished fifth (2020-2021 and 2019-2020) and sixth (2018-2019) in the previous three seasons.
