Shingi Matibiri, Sports Reporter
Former Warriors defender Kaitano Tembo has been sacked by SuperSport United after a poor run with the final straw coming at the weekend when the club was eliminated from the Nedbank Cup by first division side Thsakuma Tsha Madzivandila.
Former Bafana Bafana goalkeeper Andre Arendse has been appointed the interim coach.
Benni McCarthy who clashed with Tembo during a league match between SuperSport and AmaZulu last year is strongly touted as the replacement for the former Warriors defender.
Tembo joined SuperSport as a player in 1999 and upon retirement he started coaching the juniors before he rose to be the assistant coach in the senior team serving as assistant to Gavin Hunt, Stuart Baxter and Eric Tinkler. He has been the head coach since 2018.
In statement, SuperSport paid tribute to Tembo for his dedication to the club.
SuperSport United and Head Coach Kaitano Tembo have reached a mutual agreement to part ways, with Assistant Coach Andre Arendse appointed to the position for the remainder of the current PSL season.
Tembo has served the club for 23 years, first as a player in 1999 before moving into a coaching role, serving as an assistant to Gavin Hunt, Stuart Baxter and Eric Tinkler and then taking over as Head Coach in 2018
During his time as coach, Tembo reached two MTN8 Cup Finals, winning his maiden trophy against Highlands Park in 2019.
Tembo has been a loyal servant of the club and was instrumental in drafting young players from the club’s academy system into the first-team squad
“Kaitano is the epitome of the dedicated club man,” SuperSport United CEO Stan Matthews said.
“Very few players transition into coaching at the same club where they played. We want to thank Kaitano for the many years that he served SuperSport United in various capacities
“It is never easy parting ways but as a true servant, Kaitano has always placed the interests of the club above that of individuals. We are grateful for the role he has played at the club both as a player and coach.
