SuperSport United mentor Kaitano Tembo has challenged promising midfielder Sipho Mbule to start scoring and creating assists to avoid being relegated to the bench.

Mbule has already shown glimpses of his quality for the Tshwane side this campaign and has featured in all six of Matsatsantsa’s games in all competitions so far this season.

The 21-year-old has managed to start four times for United and came on as a second-half substitute twice, although he is yet to create assists or find the back of the net.

Despite his impressive form, Tembo feels that Mbule has to step up his game if he wants to remain a regular in his squad.

‘There’s still a lot of work to be done with him [Mbule]. He needs to be a little bit more of an effective player,’ Tembo told the media.

‘When we speak about effective players, he needs to start scoring, start creating because when we’re playing two No 10s, those are more attacking players … they need to chip in with the goals, him and Tebza [Teboho Mokoena].’

The SuperSport mentor warned the highly rated midfielder that if his form doesn’t improve, he will drop to the Matsatsantsa bench.

‘He needs to continue working hard. If he slacks, he’ll find himself on the bench. But I am happy with the progress he’s made. He just needs to stay humble and keep working.’