Lungu could get his chance

TEMBO: LETSHOLONYANE DESERVES A BREAK AFTER A TOUGH 120 MINUTES

SuperSport United coach Kaitano Tembo is left to pick up the pieces following the heartbreak of coming out second-best in his first shot in a cup final as a head coach, as SuperSport United lost in the MTN8 final to Cape Town City on Saturday.

Matsantsantsa A Pitori had a mere two days to dust themselves off and put on a brave face as they prepare for an Absa Premiership meeting in Polokwane this evening, where on-form Polokwane City await at the Old Peter Mokaba Stadium.

Tembo hinted that veteran midfielder Reneilwe Letsholonyane is unlikely to feature against Rise and Shine as the 36-year-old played until the bitter end in the final.

“He worked very hard and played 120 minutes. I am just worried about today’s game because I don’t think he might be able to play another full game in quick succession. We just need to manage him,” said Tembo.

One player who might get a run-out tonight is Zambian striker Ghampani Lungu (pictured), who Tembo used as a right- back against AmaZulu when he was short in defensive personnel. The Zambian comes with a reputation having scored 16 goals for Power Dynamos last season.

“I am trying to make sure he re-focuses on his role as an attacker, which is why we brought him here. I think he is coming up gradually and we will start to see more of him in the upcoming games,” said Tembo.

The United mentor went on to add that the 20-year-old is not at Matsantsantsa to play second fiddle to strikers Bradley Grobler, Evans Rusike and James Keene.

“He is in the squad and he is expected to challenge for any position in attack and that is important because it builds that com- petitiveness in the team and every position is always available. It is always up for grabs.

“Whoever performs on the pitch and does well at training is going to get an opportunity. The players are well aware of that and that is what guides our selection,” said Tembo.