Publications
Partners
That the MTN8 final was decided on penalties summed it up: it was a tight game for both teams, as was admitted by SuperSport United coach Kaitano Tembo after his side went down 4-1 on penalties to Cape Town City on Saturday.
Tembo cut a disappointed figure at the post-match press conference, trying to digest the loss to a City side that he still credited as worthy winners of the decider at the Moses Mabhida Stadium.
Matsatsantsa a Pitori went into the game as favourites due to their cup pedigree but they could not match coach Benni McCarthy’s team, which enjoyed a major chunk of ball possession despite the match ending goalless after 120 minutes of play.
“It’s disappointing to get to the final and not win it,” cursed Tembo, who eliminated Soweto powerhouses Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs en route to the final.
“We couldn’t stamp our authority on the game. They [City] were a better team in terms of possession.
“We couldn’t keep possession for a long period.
“Our most influential players didn’t create [chances]… Fagrie Lakay got injured early in the game and we lacked speed going forward.
“The better team won.”
United surprisingly started the game without their influential striker Bradley Grobler but Tembo explained that the marksman was in fact not fit for the game.
“Bradley trained only for two days. We had to give him a few minutes but at the same time it was a risk because we don’t want to lose him early in the season. He is not properly healed.”
Tembo said they would quickly put the loss behind them and look forward to their next game, an Absa Premiership clash with Polokwane City in Limpopo on Tuesday evening.
