Mokoena and Mbule asked to focus on United until there’s a strong offer from another club‚ reveals Tembo

SuperSport United’s star midfield duo of Sipho Mbule and Teboho Mokoena will regain their focus in 2021-22‚ the club’s coach Kaitano Tembo said amid the many links of the two to other clubs in the transfer silly season.

The big three of Mamelodi Sundowns‚ Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs are all reported to have strong interest in SA Under-23 international stars Mbule and Mokoena. Chiefs‚ especially‚ were linked to Mbule in speculative reports.

SuperSport CEO Stan Matthews told TimesLIVE last week his club had not had an official approach for the two players.

Tembo said speculation around the duo had played a role in distracting them in the second half of last season‚ which played some role in title-challenging SuperSport losing form and ending fifth in the 2020-21 DStv Premiership.

The coach said the club has spoken to Mokoena and Mbule‚ clarifying the need to focus until such time as any club makes an official offer for them.

“That has been a very worrying issue regarding those two players‚” Tembo said on Tuesday.

“The talk of them going to other clubs started last season. When it started we were doing very well. I think it started around January and destabilised us.

“Players are human beings. When people are talking about them they are bound to lose focus and concentration and their game sometimes suffers.

“At the moment I think we’ve had enough time to prepare them and speak to them  because nothing was on the table.

“The CEO spoke to them. Nothing was on the table. Until something happens‚ they will be the first to know.

“They are really focused for the team‚ they want to do well. They have ambitions that you are as good as your last game.

“Look at what happened to the Olympics. We were looking forward to the Olympics team, going there [to Japan] and doing well‚ but it didn’t happen.

“They know they have to refocus and start doing well again otherwise you are forgotten very quickly in this game.

“They are focused. I’m quite happy about their attitude towards training.

“I’m looking forward to a good season because I believe this will make them a bit stronger and they will raise their game.”

Tembo was speaking at a press conference ahead of Matsatsantsa’s season-opening MTN8 quarterfinal against Golden Arrows at Princess Magogo Stadium on Saturday evening.