Superspot United CEO Stanley Matthews. Photo: BackpagePix
SuperSport CEO: Why Tembo was axed; Arendse could take over for good
SuperSport CEO Stan Matthews has opened up about the axing of Kaitano Tembo, and what the future coaching setup may look like.
Superspot United CEO Stanley Matthews. Photo: BackpagePix
It was dramatically confirmed on Tuesday that SuperSport United and long-serving coach Kaitano Tembo had reached a mutual agreement to part ways, with assistant Andre Arendse taking over.
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Tembo had served the club for 23 years, first as a player in 1999 before moving into a coaching role, serving as an assistant to Gavin Hunt, Stuart Baxter and Eric Tinkler and then taking over as Head Coach in 2018.
During his time as coach, Tembo reached two MTN8 Cup Finals, while winning his maiden trophy against Highlands Park in 2019.
However, in an interview with Metro FM, Stan Matthews has now explained why a string of inadequate results this season ultimately led to the decision to part ways.
“It’s tough to say goodbye to someone who’s been with the club for over two decades. Unfortunately the results were not forthcoming and we were not happy with how we lost points this year and are now scrapping for top eight when we should be in the top four.
“Losing to a NFD team in the Cup was also a huge disappointment for us. Kaitano will leave the club altogether. In our discussions he said he wanted to continue his journey as head coach and we respect that. But the door will always remain open for him.
“He has a bright future ahead of him and is one of the best coaches. He’s one of the hardest people I’ve worked with. I do believe that one day he can even become head coach of Zimbabwe.”
Although former AmaZulu coach Benni McCarthy has been linked with a potential move to SuperSport, Matthews hinted that this was not on the cards right now.
“We’ve now given Andre Arendse a run until the end of the season and he’s chosen to work with Thabo September. We are happy with that. We’ll see how it goes and whether he likes it or not. If not, then we will have to look outside”
THE SUPERSPORT TRIBUTE TO TEMBO READ AS FOLLOWS:
“Kaitano is the epitome of the dedicated club man,” said Matthews. “Very few players transition into coaching at the same club where they played. We want to thank Kaitano for the many years that he served SuperSport United in various capacities.
It is never easy parting ways but as a true servant, Kaitano has always placed the interests of the club above that of individuals. We are grateful for the role he has played at the club both as a player and coach.”
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