The decision to substitute Sipho Mbule for Thamsanqa Gabuza proved to be a masterstroke for SuperSport United head coach Kaitano Tembo this past weekend when they beat Kaizer Chiefs 2-1 in an Absa Premiership clash played at the Mbombela Stadium on Saturday.
Gabuza scored the decisive goal, connecting with Kudakwashe Mahachi’s low cross midway the second half and three points was secured. From his days at Orlando Pirates, he’s always given Chiefs problems upfront and this game was not an exception. Tembo says this was a tactical decision that worked perfectly.
This was only Chiefs’ second loss in 15 matches this season and their first in the league since September last year.
Tembo says once you deal with the aerial threat and the second ball challenge with Chiefs, its half the battle won.
This win has also brought Amatsatsansa a Pitori back into the league title chase mix as they are now eight points behind Amakhosi sitting on the third spot having played one game more than Chiefs.
The gap between the log leaders and second-placed defending champions Sundowns is now only four points and could be reduced to only a point on Tuesday should the Brazilians beat Bidvest Wits.
Tembo says the second round is the real deal and they don’t want to rely on favours. – Report by Velile Mnyandu
