‘Chilli Boys want to play’
Tinkler’s men left frustrated due to long Fifa break
FIFA breaks are causing all sorts of problems for Chippa United coach Eric Tinkler.
The Chilli Boys are not in action until November 27 when they visit Maritzburg United at Harry Gwala Stadium in Pietermaritzburg in an Absa Premiership tussle.
Some coaches may be enjoying these breaks but Tinkler is certainly not a big fan of them.
He explained: “When I arrived here, they helped. Right now, this period is difficult because now again we are off until the 27th and it is a long, long time.
“You have to keep the guys active and busy. The biggest challenge that we have in PE is that we don’t have opposition. If we were in Johannesburg, I can play against Bidvest Wits, I can play against Orlando Pirates and I can play against Highlands Park, but I don’t have anybody to play against in PE.”
Chippa are the only team from Port Elizabeth campaigning in topflight football at the moment. They also don’t have an National First Division team after Umthatha Bucks were relegated last season.
“The closest I can get to is the ABC Motsepe League team. You’ve got to beat them 3-0 or 4-0 and how has that helped you? It hasn’t helped you with anything. It is not on the same level as playing a competitive PSL game,” Tinkler said.
Tinkler joined the Chilli Boys after three league games and they are now 13th on the log with nine points from 10 games.
“I think this team can go far if they want it.
“That’s been the challenge for me, getting that mentality right. The talent is there, there’s no doubt about that.
“I see players in my team who have potential to play in this Kaizer Chiefs team but they need to believe it. They need to work hard, they need to work a lot harder.”