Maritzburg coach wields the axe

ERIC Tinkler has cut his squad at Maritzburg United by deeming some players surplus to requirements.

Tinkler said Thato Tlhone, Andrea Fileccia and Keletso Makgwala do not fit into his plans.

“When I arrived we had a big squad and I’ve reduced the number. We now have a squad of 22 players,” he said. “I’ve sent some of the young players who had contracts with the first team to the Diski team because they were not playing.

“There are other senior players like Tlhone, Fileccia and Makgwala who are not part of our plan. They are no longer training with us and they are not in the squad.”

Makgwala was on loan from Mamelodi Sundowns until the end of the season, while the contracts of Fileccia and Tlhone expire in June.

“Having a reduced squad will make our job easier. Everyone will get involved,” said Tinkler.

Maritzburg are at the foot of the Absa Premiership table with 14 points from 20 games.

They were assessing former Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Thamsanqa Sangweni but won’t be signing him.

“He won’t be staying with us. We have decided against signing due to a number of issues that I’m not willing to discuss in the media,” Tinkler said.

Maritzburg face Cape Town City at Cape Town Stadium on Saturday (3.30pm) when they will be looking to build on their victory over Polokwane City.

“Obviously we would have loved to have played another match after beating Polokwane but it is what it is,” said Tinkler.

“We’ve been training and we also played a friendly to prepare for Cape Town City. The break gave us an opportunity to have a look at fringe players and the depth of our squad.

“It is going to be an extremely tough game.

“City are an aggressive and pressing team, a very dangerous team going forward. We have to be at our best. We have to play positive. We have to go for three points but at the same time be mindful.”

Tinkler has breathed new life into Maritzburg, who are now playing with verve, a will to win and plenty of confidence.

They are in the relegation zone with the likes of Free State Stars, Baroka FC, Chippa United and Black Leopards.

“We know the value of three points. It will make a huge difference to our situation. We have to minimise silly mistakes and make better decisions,” Tinkler explained.

City are fourth with 30 points after 19 games. They will be looking to close the gap between themselves and the other title contenders.