Kaitano Tembo out to lead Bay to Carling Cup final

Richards Bay and Kaitano Tembo’s mission is to reach the final of the Carling Knockout Cup as they meet Stellenbosch in the semi-final this weekend.

Tembo says he hopes to reach the final and find their momentum as they seem to struggle in the DStv Premiership.

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The former SuperSport United mentor, Tembo wants to overcome Stellies coached by Steve Barker, and make history with the KZN-based club.

Despite failing to find their rhythm in the league, the KZN Rich Boyz have defied the odds in the cup tournament and they have been consistent.

Looking at the log table, Bay have only secured two wins out of 13 league matches they have played so far this term.

TEMBO OUT TO LEAD BAY TO CARLING CUP FINAL

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In their quest for glory in the knockout cup, Tembo’s troops defeated Soweto giants, Moroka Swallows and Orlando Pirates in the quarterfinals.

However, the same cannot be said in the league where they sit second from bottom in the DStv Premiership table, they are only above bottom-placed Cape Town Spurs.

“I think if we can go to the final that would also change our season in the league… bring that confidence. It is important that we start moving up the table,” said Tembo to the media.

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“The cup run has helped us a bit because you see that we’ve collected four points in our last two league games and I think it’s because of the confidence we take from doing well in the Carling Knockout.”

TEMBO LOOKING FOR CUP GLORY FOR KZN-BASED BAY

The former Sekkhukhune United boss adds that lifting the trophy will boost his side as far as marketing the brand is concerned.

Additionally, the former Matsatsantsa staffer is wary of the Cape Winelands-based club which has speedy players like Iqraam Rayners.

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“Obviously it’s very important to reach the final, especially for the brand,” adds Tembo.

“Being in the final would really put the team’s brand out there and that would be nice on the marketing side of things as well.

“They play with so much speed going forward… Iqraam Rayners, Deano van Rooyen as well as Jayden [Adams].

“These are quick and energetic players, so if we can nullify them I think half the job would have been done.”

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The eagerly anticipated semi-final encounter will be played at King Zwelithini Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

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