Matsatsantsa are one win away from becoming the first side to successfully defend their top-eight crown since Orlando Pirates back in 2011.
This after quite an embarrassing end to the Absa Premiership campaign last season, when they narrowly escaped the relegation spots in their final few games before being drafted into seventh place on a technicality.
Tembo, who is in line to win his first trophy as a head coach, has shrugged off the spotlight and is more pleased with the way his players have responded at this early juncture in the season, given their hardships experienced a few months ago.
“I think it will be a very good feeling [to lift my first trophy as head coach], but for me what’s more important is the club and the players,” said Tembo.
“I think the players have really done well, considering where we were last season – where we had to fight to survive on the last day of the season and to still make it into the top eight.
“For them to then come out and have this kind of response and perform the way they have performed so far … We know it’s still early in the season as well, but credit must go to them.”
Last year the Tshwane outfit pipped The Citizens to honours via a penalty shootout at the same venue, but the Zimbabwean tactician believes McCarthy has since put together a more organised unit coming into this particular final.
“We have looked at last year’s final, but this is a new game. Cape Town City have changed, and they have improved,” he added.
“As a team there is a lot of progress, and I think Benni has done a wonderful job. They are a good team now, they are more organised and play with good possession and build-ups.
“They also have speed up front where you have the likes of Craig Martins and Ayanda Patosi, who is also doing well. They are a complete side now, so it won’t be an easy game.”
