Tshwane Derby: Kaitano Tembo coach of Supersport United during the 2020 Nedbank Cup Last 32 Supersport United Press Conference on 06 February 2020 at PSL Offices , Pic Sydney Mahlangu/BackpagePix
Kaitano Tembo pleased with SuperSport United fighting spirit
SuperSport United and Kaitano Tembo are not looking too far ahead despite their promising start to the PSL’s bio-bubble
Tshwane Derby: Kaitano Tembo coach of Supersport United during the 2020 Nedbank Cup Last 32 Supersport United Press Conference on 06 February 2020 at PSL Offices , Pic Sydney Mahlangu/BackpagePix
SuperSport United head coach Kaitano Tembo was pleased with the fighting spirit his team showed during their dramatic victory over Black Leopards on Tuesday night in the PSL.
Kaitano Tembo’s side earned a stoppage time victory against a fighting Black Leopards side which saw his team return to the PSL’s top three with just three games to go.
Kaitano Tembo encouraged by Matsatsantsa performance
SuperSport United head coach Kaitano Tembo believes his side’s ‘lethargic’ start against Black Leopards made things difficult for them however their late winner will give them a huge confidence boost ahead of the remaining three games of the season.
“To be honest in the first half I think we were a bit lethargic. We did create a few good chances but we definitely lacked urgency. There was no speed on the ball. Despite dominating the ball possession we were not really threatening.” Kaitano Tembo told SuperSport TV.
“Nevertheless in the second half, you know sometimes when you create so many opportunities and you don’t take them then you give hope to the opponents and I think that’s what happened. We ended up giving Leopards hope and fighting spirit.
“That’s what happens, it’s football but I’ll take the three points. The boys fought. It’s very encouraging in terms of getting the three points and this performance will give us an opportunity to build from.”
Matsatsantsa look towards Orlando Pirates
SuperSport United are well in the running for a place in continental football next season however they’re taking it one game at a time according to Kaitano Tembo.
“We changed from three in midfield because our two attacking midfielders were not getting into effective areas. We needed to bring in an extra striker to help in attack.”
“I also brought more width with Aubrey Modiba and Bradley Grobler coming into the pocket and that gave us a little bit of joy. We got in behind them and Thamsanqa Gabuza’s perseverance resulted in the goal. I was very happy with the changes.
“One game at a time, we just have to focus on the next one in front of us. We have about three games to go. The next one is a tough one against Orlando Pirates so we’ll focus on that.”
Next up for Kaitano Tembo’s SuperSport United is a crunch clash against Orlando Pirates on Saturday afternoon at the Ellis Park stadium.
