SuperSport United coach Kaitano Tembo believes his side’s character and mental strength have come to the fore during training for the restart of the 2019-20 season.

The Tshwane giants are currently in their third week since teams in the Premier Soccer League (PSL) resumed the training programme two weeks ago.

However, Tembo admits his squad have ‘really missed each other and also missed what we really enjoy doing and that’s playing football’ after putting the side through their paces.

‘The mood is very good and that made it easier for us to get back to work with everyone in the right frame of mind with a lot of excitement and enthusiasm,’ Tembo told his club’s official website.

‘Due to the circumstances we find ourselves in because of Covid-19, it meant that a lot has changed in terms of our environment and how we conduct our training sessions. We have to make sure that we all comply with the PSL, Safa and government compliance manuals regarding the health regulations.

‘The players had training programmes during isolation and I’m very proud of the players for being very professional in terms of following their routine and that showed character and mental strength.’

The Matsatsantsa tactician also expressed his gratitude toward the departed Thabo Qalinge, Thakasani Mbanjwa and Thato Lesoma for their contributions to the club.

‘We had Thabo Mnyamane, Thabo Qalinge, Thakazani Mbanjwa and Thato Lesoma leaving the club after their contracts expired and I would like to take this opportunity to thank them for their contribution to the success of the club and wish them the best of luck in their future endeavours. Thabo Mnyamane won four trophies with us and his contribution to the club will not go unnoticed,’ he added.