United focus on final clash

Tshepo Ntsoelengoe

SuperSport United assistant coach Kaitano Tembo (above) says the fact they have a chance to qualify for the Caf Confederations Cup final will be a huge achievement, but their main focus at the moment is the MTN8 final clash with Cape Town City at the Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday.

Looking at the success of neighbours Mamelodi Sundowns on the continental stage last season, Tembo admits they are also looking to write their names in the history books of African football. The United assistant coach, however, believes it is important for them to do well at home before thinking about playing the second leg of the confederation cup against Club Africain in Tunisia a week later.

“We have another big game coming up this weekend, we don’t want to neglect what is happening here at home. They say charity begins at home, so that is where our focus is at the moment. After that we can take our focus to the second leg of the Confederation Cup,” said Tembo.

“I think everyone knows it is a huge competition, you can see what it has done to Sundowns in terms of their standings in the footballing world. You start getting recognised when you play in Africa regularly and we want to maintain that.

“This is a big achievement (reaching the semifinals of the Confederation Cup) for us, especially for players who have worked really hard to take the club to this stage of the competition for the first time in the club’s history.”

Tembo added that lifting the MTN8 trophy will be a big moralebooster for SuperSport’s players ahead of their trip to Tunisia.

“It will definitely be good for our players because they will be highly motivated to keep on doing well. We played to a 1-1 draw in the first leg, now we have to go there and fight hard for victory.

“But first things first, let’s focus on the final at home.”

This is a big achievement for us, especially for players who have worked really hard to take the club to this stage of the competition for the first time in the club’s history.

Kaitano Tembo SuperSport assistant coach