Tembo: Keeping Sirino, Zwane at bay was key

Part of Kaitano Tembo’s plan to dismantle and break down Mamelodi Sundowns’ play and advances forward was to nullify Downs’ most creative and dangerous players, Themba Zwane and Gaston Sirino, who would then have little influence on the Tshwane derby.

SuperSport United and the defending champions played to a 0-0 draw in the DStv Premiership clash on Saturday at the Lucas Moripe Stadium.

Zwane and Sirino were effectively reduced to spectators in parts of the game as they were prevented from getting it right when it came to their combination play.

Tembo (right) was pleased with how his defence managed to stick to the game plan as they contiue to be among the pace-setters in the league, just two points adrift of the defending champions and Swallows FC.

“In their possession of the ball you could see that they wanted to play short passes, with their wingers tucking inside. That is Zwane and Sirino, but credit to the fullbacks as well because Keenan Phillips was very good in one-on-one situations and his recovery was great. That is why we made that decision to play him at right-back because he was well-rested,” said Tembo.

“We knew that if we could close their wide players down, we would have joy. In the end we had to manage the game. It was our fourth game in 10 days and we did not expect to have legs. I am quite happy with the point because if we look at our previous games against them, Sundowns have always dominated us,” he added.

While a draw was satisfying, Tembo said he was worried about Teboho Mokoena, who was stretched off in the first half after taking a knock.