SUPERSPORT United coach Kaitano Tembo has mixed feelings ahead of the eagerly awaited DStv Premiership Tshwane derby at Loftus tomorrow (5pm).
Tembo is in the dark whether the two weeks’ break will kill their momentum or add some spark in their bid to delay their rivals from lifting the title.
Matsatsantsa a Pitori are also desperate for points to finish the season within the top three.
SuperSport occupy sixth position on the league table. With 41 points from 47 matches, they are a point behind fifth-placed Swallows FC and they trail Orlando Pirates by two points, with three games still to play.
Said Tembo: “We have had enough time to rest. We gave time to guys who haven’t played and those who are coming from injury. This 14 days really helped, but at the same time coming off a very good win against TTM (Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila), we needed to continue with the momentum. But after the break you don’t really know how you will fare on the day.”
The Zimbabwean-born mentor insists he knows what is at stake.
“Our preparations have been very good and players are looking forward to the game. This is a very important game for us because we want to try finish as high as we can,” he added.
The 50-year-old says his players don’t need any motivation when they face the wounded Downs, who are still reeling from a shock exit from the Caf Champions League at the hands of former coach Pitso Mosimane.
This after Al Ahly beat them 3-1 on aggregate after the teams drew 1-1 in the return leg at Lucas Moripe Stadium over the weekend.
Explained Tembo: “Look, derbies you cannot really predict in terms of result, but in terms of performance, both teams are looking forward to the game.
“It’s a game where players don’t really need motivation because it’s a derby. We are in a situation where we want to finish our season very strong.
“They are in a position where they can win the league if they beat us. There is a lot to play for on both teams. That’s why it will be a very interesting game. We we want to try and get positive results. The boys are also motivated.”
