SuperSport look to have picked themselves up following last season’s dismal campaign that saw them sneak into the top-eight only thanks to Ajax Cape Town’s Tendai Ndoro indiscretions.
Following their opening day defeat to Cape Town City, Matsatsantsa have bounced back strong with three victories on the trot, including the penalty shootout delight over Orlando Pirates in the quarterfinal almost a fortnight ago, and more recently bringing an end to Bidvest Wits’ perfect start to the season.
However, Tembo, who was promoted from assistant to head coach at the start of the season, has refused to accept that his team have it easier going into Sunday’s first leg clash against Amakhosi, given their form.
“No, not really. I think for us the most important game is the next game and there’s always pressure. It doesn’t matter who you play or in which competition,” said Tembo.
“But we always try and put emphasis on the next game, so now we’re really focusing on the MTN8 and then after that we’ll switch our focus to the Chippa United game [next week].”
Chiefs, meanwhile, have registered just one victory in five matches so far this season – having dropped points against Baroka and Maritzburg United in league fixtures last week, but Tembo argues that the cup is a whole different beast.
“It is definitely [a tough game]. I think they [Chiefs] are in this position because in the quarterfinal they did well by beating Free State Stars,” he noted.
“Irrespective of their league form, a cup game is a different game altogether.”
The Glamour Boys have since welcomed two new arrivals in time for this weekend's fixture in the form of Bafana Bafana forward Lebogang Manyama on a free transfer as well as defender Mario Booysen from relegated Ajax.