Kaitano Tembo, currently the Head of First Team Football at Sekhukhune United, has openly expressed his excitement and appreciation for his recent involvement with the Zimbabwe National Team, the Brave Warriors.
Tembo, a highly experienced coach who has previously managed SuperSport United and Richards Bay, recently joined the Warriors’ technical team. He was on the bench for their recent FIFA World Cup qualifiers against arch-rivals Bafana Bafana and Lesotho.
Despite Zimbabwe’s struggles in the qualifiers—finishing bottom of Group C with just five points from five draws and five losses—Tembo views the opportunity as invaluable professional development.
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“It’s always good to be in that environment. You always learn when you work at a different level as well,” Tembo told FARPost.
“So for me it’s important not to really cage myself, if I may put it that way. You know, spread my wings and be able to do that.”
He was also quick to acknowledge his current employers for facilitating the opportunity, stating, “I also appreciate the club [Sekhukhune United] for giving me that opportunity to be able to do that.”
Tembo’s involvement comes at a time of transition for the Brave Warriors. German head coach Michael Nees was recently sacked following the team’s poor showing in the World Cup qualification campaign.
Given his pedigree and existing role in the technical setup, Tembo has emerged as a possible candidate to take the vacant head coaching post ahead of the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournament.
That being said, when pressed on the speculation linking him to the top job, Tembo remained tight-lipped:
“No comment. For that, I can’t comment,” he replied.