Tembo has a gem in versatile Modiba

When you are looking at players who are a jack-of-all-trades in the Premier Soccer League, you rarely think further than SuperSport United’s Aubrey Modiba (right).

The 23-year-old can fly down the left flank both as a defender and an attacker, and you can slot him in at the heart of midfield or as a false No 9.

It was Modiba who gave SuperSport the lead in their 1-1 draw with Polokwane City on Tuesday, his second goal of the season, to go with one assist.

Coach Kaitano Tembo knows how important a player Modiba is because of his technical astuteness, and understands that he needs to give him ample time to recharge his batteries, which is why Modiba is unlikely to start against Baroka FC this Sunday.

“Modiba is very important in the team because he is a versatile player and I am happy with his development because he well plays in different positions. He adjusts so easily and he is a very good player technically as well and in attack, he gives us a lot of options and if we look at it, he is dangerous on the set plays,” said Tembo.

“At the same time, I have to try and manage him in terms of fatigue as well, if he plays on Sunday, that will be his third game in a few days and I don’t think it will be fair on him. We need him but his recovery is key. He is a very important player and we are lucky to have a player of his calibre,” he added.

Speaking of key players, Ronwen Williams fits that description very well, as he is the longestserving player in the current Matsatsantsa squad and was handed the captain’s armband last time out against Polokwane City.

“You always have to have a player like him as your last line of defence, because it gives the rest of the players confidence.

“He has got leadership qualities and he is growing as a person ... that’s why he was the captain on Tuesday. He can lead and communicate well with his team-mates,” said Tembo.