Tembo concerned over possible injuries caused by Fifa break

Just like any other coach, Kaitano Tembo finds pleasure when his players are selected for their national teams.

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Tembo is happy to see the likes of Sipho Mbule, Teboho Mokoena, Ronwen Williams all named in Bafana Bafana’s 2022 Fifa World Cup qualifiers, while Kudakwashe Mahachi, Onismor Bhasera and Moses Waiswa have been called up for Zimbabwe and Uganda respectively.

However, there is a down side to the international break as some players come back with injuries, which is Tembo’s concern.

Most of the players who received national team call-ups are key members of his squad and he is holding thumbs that they all return to Megawatt Park (SuperSport’s training base) intact.   

“What they are doing for us is what takes them to the national team and I am happy for them,” said Tembo.

“It is just unfortunate that we have about six players who will be going away and that is a huge setback. These are our starters, so when they come back, we have to start again and we don’t know what condition they will be in when they come back. We just cross our fingers that they will be in good condition,” Tembo added.

With those who are remaining behind, Tembo hopes to organize a few friendly games so they maintain their level of fitness and remain on par with the players on national duty.   

“We still have to continue working hard because the season has just started and there are some players who still need game time and we will try and arrange friendly games to try and help those players to catch-up with the rest of the other guys. This break will give us that opportunity and to also make sure that we nurse injuries that players picked up in the last three matches. The Fifa break comes at the right time.”