SuperSport United have announced that the club and head coach Kaitano Tembo have decided to mutually part ways after a disappointing run in the league was compounded by their Nedbank Cup exit at the weekend.

Matsatsantsa were knocked out by GladAfrica Championship side TTM after throwing away a 2-0 goal lead in the encounter, which was enough to end his 23 years at the club.

The club announced the news in a statement:

“SuperSport United and Head Coach Kaitano Tembo have reached a mutual agreement to part ways, with Assistant Coach Andre Arendse appointed to the position for the remainder of the current PSL season.

“Tembo has served the club for 23 years, first as a player in 1999 before moving into a coaching role, serving as an assistant to Gavin Hunt, Stuart Baxter and Eric Tinkler and then taking over as Head Coach in 2018. During his time as coach, Tembo reached two MTN8 Cup Finals, winning his maiden trophy against Highlands Park in 2019.

“Tembo has been a loyal servant of the club and was instrumental in drafting young players from the club’s academy system into the first team squad.

“Kaitano is the epitome of the dedicated club man,” said Stan Matthews, the club CEO. “Very few players transition into coaching at the same club where they played. We want to thank Kaitano for the many years that he served SuperSport United in various capacities. It is never easy parting ways but as a true servant, Kaitano has always placed the interests of the club above that of individuals. We are grateful for the role he has played at the club both as a player and coach.”