In this edition of Supporters Forum, KickOff speaks to Matsatsantsa's Thamaga "Cooper 12" Kupa about his long-standing affair with SuperSport United.
Name of supporter…
"My name is Thamaga Hendrik Kupa, popularly known as Cooper 12, I come from a village in Sekhukhune. But I grew up in Atteridgeville, I've been here since 1994. Because people struggled to pronounce my surname, I thought it would it be easy for them to call me Cooper."
Club supported…
"At first I was supporting Kaizer Chiefs because of my father. But in 1999 while I was at school, Kaizer Chiefs were playing against SuperSport United in a Bob Save Super Bowl final.
"Before the final SuperSport United came to our school and took us who were playing for the school team to that match. I was a school team captain and it was the first time I entered a proper football stadium.
"I went to that match as a Chiefs fan to be honest, but after SuperSport beat Chiefs 2-1, I changed my allegiance. I was 16 years old then.
"I remember Pollen Ndlanya scoring from the spot-kick, and SuperSport goals were scored by Thomas Madigage and Glen Salmon."
How long supported?
"I was 16 years old when I stopped supporting Chiefs."
Are you happy with the bosses?
"I'm very happy. At SuperSport we have a small number when it comes to supporters, so the busses are able to take care of us. Because of that the club is able to supply us with complimentary tickets and transport for every final and semi-final they are involved in."
Are you happy with the coach?
"Since Gavin Hunt came back yes. We are even contesting for a CAF Champions League spot."
Are you happy with players?
"Yes, I am. The only thing I'm not happy with is this clause of Sundowns not allowing players they sent out on loan not to play against them.
"I even asked Stan Matthews about it and he said not having money is what forced the club to agree to such arrangements. But now that we have few sponsors, I don't think we will sell our players like we did with the likes of Teboho Mokoena and Sipho Mbule."
Who do you want them to sign?
"Andile Jali. We really need that somebody who will fill Dean Furman's space. Margemann is going back to Sundowns, and Ndlovu is going back to Pirates. We need an Andile Jali type of player."
Your message to the team?
"Congratulations guys, you listened to Hunt and followed his instructions when he came. Now Bradley Grobler has joined the 100 goal club because of the support you are giving each other."