Much progress for SuperSport says coach

SuperSport United coach Kaitano Tembo says he is pleased with the way his side has progressed over the last month since losing their opening game of the season to neighbours Mamelodi Sundowns.

That 2-0 defeat at the beginning of last month has been followed by an unbeaten run for SuperSport, and a much improved performance against the same opponent on Sunday as SuperSport and Sundowns drew 1-1 in Atteridgeville in the first leg of their MTN8 semifinal tie.

“We knew that it was always going to be a difficult game, playing against a very good team. We got out of the blocks well, managed the game well and dominated the game very well, in terms of pressing, and we kept possession and got into good areas. Especially Evans (Rusike), (Thamsanqa) Gabuza and Bradley (Grobler). They caused a lot of havoc, turning their defence. They are not comfortable when you do that.

“I think we should have two goals in the first half but in the second half, we didn’t start well. We allowed them to have time and space on the ball. If you do that, then they start dominating and it is difficult to contain them,” Tembo added.

The coach felt SuperSport might well have stolen a victory at the death with several good late chances.

“I’m happy with the overall performance of the guys, they played well. If you look at where we are now from where we played our first game of the season, there has been a big improvement.”