What’s Next For Kaitano Tembo After Supersport United Departure
Whilst Kaitano Tembo’s departure from Supersport United after 23-years of service seems to leave the Zimbabwean in a conundrum on his next move, the former tough tackling defender will not be short in terms of suitors.
Supersport United announced on Tuesday that they have parted ways with coach Tembo (51) after a string of poor results. Assistant coach and former Bafana Bafana goalkeeper Andre Arendse will now take over as interim coach for the remainder of the season.
While results seemed hard to come by of late leading to his departure , Tembo had already built a name for himself in his first job as a professional coach at Supersport United.
Having started his coaching career at the club’s academy and served as an assistant coach to Gavin Hunt, Stuart Baxter, Eric Tinker and his subsequent promotion to the head coach in 2018, ‘Ngwenya’ has made huge strides in his coaching career at United taking in charge of 135 games, winning 55 drawing in 38 and losing 42 games.
He reached the MTN8 finals twice, winning his maiden trophy in 2019 after beating Highlands Park.
His other highlight is guiding the team to two fifth place finish during his period as the head coach.
Tembo is credited for drafting young players from the club’s academy into the first team after the team cashed-in their big star players including Dean Furman, Audrey Modiba, Clayton Daniels, Bongani Khumalo, Teboho Mokoena and Evans Rusike to rescue the club from financial difficulties and still remained competitive and consistent for two seasons.
He is among the top three long-serving coaches at the Supersport United.
With a good record like that, Tembo is definitely a huge attraction to many clubs in and outside of the Dstv premiership.
Supersport United CEO Stan Matthews admitted it was a hard decision to part ways with Tembo, but believes the former defender will have a good future in the PSL.
“The feeling in the club is somber and many are heartsore. He’s been with us for 23 years as a player and a coach.” said Stanley Matthews Supersport United CEO.
“He has established himself in the club as a big figure; he’s a big part of the family. I’m confident that he will find his mojo in the PSL and make a big contribution, ” Matthews said speaking on the Robert Marawa Sports Show on Tuesday
Outside of the Dstv premiership, Tembo has become a huge favorite for the Zimbabwe Warriors job.
Many times the Warriors technical has sounded out his name on many occasions as favorite candidate for the top post, but his relationship with Supersport United was always a hindrance.
It will be interesting to see where the future of Kaitano Tembo lies next, but wherever it is, the future looks bright for the Zimbabwean.
