SuperSport coach: We need our strong players to stand up

by Graeme Jackson

Saturday May 12, 2018. 11:00

SuperSport United caretaker coach Kaitano Tembo says the team needs their strong players to stand up as they battle for top flight survival later today.

United face Baroka FC at Lucas Moripe Stadium this afternoon for their final Absa Premiership match of the season.

They are placed just two points above the relegation playoff zone and need to win in order to guarantee their elite league status for 2018/19.

Tembo has explained that he faced a similar situation with the club at the turn of the century and hopes the current players dig deep, as his team did back then.

“I was in this situation as a player in 99/2000," Tembo said, as quoted by Kick-Off.

"We were struggling. Bruce [Grobbelaar] came in. We were in the same situation but we had strong players like Raymond Seopa, Japie Motale, Ronnie Zondi and John Moeti.

"I find myself in the same situation again when the team has good and experienced players who have the ability to take the club away from where it is now."

Tembo has also shrugged off speculation that he could be handed the coaching reins on a permanent basis, insisting his focus in only on winning the game against Baroka.

"For me that’s not an option. That's not what I am thinking. I have got a big assignment in front of me. Bigger than thinking about being head coach,” said the former Zambia defender.

"My thoughts are far from being head coach. I wanna try make sure I succeed in this mission when the club has shown confidence in me to lead the club. What is most important is the club, the fans and the people of Pretoria who support this club."