Bafana Legend Opens Up On SSU Job Talks

SuperSport United interim coach Andre Arendse says he’s not thinking about the opportunity of becoming their next permanent head coach to succeed Kaitano Tembo.

Arendse steered United to a memorable 1-0 win over Kaizer Chiefs at FNB Stadium on Saturday evening in his first game in charge, which was a welcome boost to their top-eight aspirations.

The club’s CEO Stan Matthews mentioned that the final six games of the season could be a window for Arendse to stake his claim for the job, while the likes of Gavin Hunt and Benni McCarthy have been mooted as potential candidates in local media.

However, Arendse, who will now prepare Matsatsansa for Marumo Gallants, Stellenobsch, Swallows, Baroka and Orlando Pirates – feels it’s premature to start thinking about the permanent role.

“It’s not something that I have to put forward in my mind right now, my number on priority is to see out the next six games as best I can with the group of players I have as best they can,” Arendse said.

“Get them [the players] in a good frame one mind, game in and game out like we did [against Chiefs]. I think the rest will take care of itself – it’s a massive honour being an interim head coach of a club like this.

“I’ve got a proud history with this club as a player and to be given the opportunity to take the team, especially for these closing five games of the season, that’s my first and foremost focus.”

Arendse won two league titles with Matsatsansa as a player and was part of the 1996 Africa Cup of Nations winning squad with Bafana Bafana – with whom he won 67 national team caps.