That SuperSport United have been SA’s football cup kings in the last decade of the Premier Soccer League is no joke.
It’s the real deal, accomplished by a club run like a well oiled machine to produce unrivalled consistency.
SuperSport’s triumph in last week’s MTN8 final netted their sixth piece of domestic silverware won in the past 10 years, with Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates the closest behind them with four titles each during the same period.
Bidvest Wits are in a distant third with three cup titles, while SuperSport neighbours, Mamelodi Sundowns have won two cups in the PSL in the last 10 years.
According to SuperSport CEO StanMatthews, to win six trophies with seven coaches is an indication of how well the management has always backed their coaches.
Matthews revealed this week that Kaitano Tembo ’s success with the team against Highlands Park last week has “a special feel” in that he’s the first coach — who ’s been with the club for 20 years — to win a trophy.
“With Kaitano, he’s been with us the longest. He was truly groomed,” explained Matthews, who himself has had a long relationship with the club.
“Kaitano started in the under-13s, U15s, U17s, U19s and eventually became assistant coach. So he’s really worked his way through the ranks. He prepared himself within our environment, which is beautiful for us.”
For the club’s success, Matthews credits the club’s former CEO Imtiaz Patel and long serving chair Khulu Sibiya for creating the sound development structures that have not only produced Tembo, but a number of players who’ve delivered a number of trophies over the years.
“As much as we can shine the light on Kaitano, and we should, and shine the light on the likes of Ronwen (Williams, the goalkeeper), there’s also something to be said for two main stalwarts at the club that have provided that consistency,” said Matthews.
“A lot of credit has to go to our chairman Khulu Sibiya, who’s been ever-present at theclub, and guys like Imtiaz Patel, who started this whole programme of changing SuperSport United, introducing our five-point plan, which basically introduced the academy. I believe that Khulu and Patel are the real unsung heroes of Kaitano’s success.”
With Tembo’s two-year contract coming to an end in June, Matthews said they’ll be offering him an improved, new, two-year contract following his cup success on Saturday.
Three titles, the Absa Premiership, Nedbank Cup and Telkom Knockout, are still on offer this season, but Matthews said it might be difficult to win the league title as they are already eight points behind.
He reckons his club may be lacking four strong players to mount a serious challenge for the league.
“We certainly don’t have the resources to challenge on all fronts,” said Matthews,whose side will meet defending champions Baroka FC in the first round of TKO at the Lucas Moripe Stadium on Saturday.
“I think we’re going to be a little bit more experimental as we go because some players haven ’t had enough game time. I don’t think the league is something that we might say is an expectation for us in any way.”
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