Tinkler: What pressure?
DURBAN: The defeat Cape Town City suffered at Maritzburg United had nothing to do with the Cape outfit feeling the heat of a championship race.
“What pressure? You guys invent that pressure,” replied Cape Town City coach Eric Tinkler when asked by a journalist if the players had buckled under the expectation of winning the title.
Instead it was just an offday when the team failed to pitch up, said the coach after City lost 1-0 at Maritzburg United on Monday.
“The boys are hurting. I don’t think it’s a case of not wanting to perform. For whatever reason it just didn’t happen.” said Tinkler.
That result saw City drop to third place, behind defending champions Mamelodi Sundowns, after Wits edged the Brazilians by the same score and leapfrogged both sides to go top of the PSL standings.
One point separates each of the teams, although City have four games left, one less than the leading pair from Gauteng.
Because newly-formed City surprised the form book to be among the title contenders, they shouldn’t suffer the burden of expectation, reasoned Tinkler.
“Obviously our targets and objectives are totally different to where we find ourselves right now,” he said.
“For that reason there should be no fear to want to play because the pressure is not on you. The pressure is on Sundowns, Wits, SuperSport, Chiefs and Pirates.
“We’ve done exceptionally well and I’m proud of the team and what we’ve achieved, but (against Maritzburg) we let ourselves down.
“Every game was important right now. We explained that we needed at least 13 points from our last five. That means we couldn’t lose a game, so that tells a story on its own,” said Tinkler.
Speaking before the Clever Boys’ victory over Sundowns, Tinkler felt that regardless of the outcome of that clash there were still five matches for his rivals to play, and that if they regrouped, City could sneak back into contention.
However, he believed Sundowns enjoyed a favourable run-in compared to Wits.
“Sundowns have a game in hand, and so do Wits,” Tinkler said.
“Someone there has got to drop points, or both of them. Wits have a few difficult games, but I still think Sundowns are favourites right now, because I think their run-in are games you would expect them to win.”
Following the first league
The boys are hurting. I don’t think it’s a case of not wanting to perform. For whatever reason it just didn’t happen.
defeat of the year, their first upset in 11 games, City tackle Free State Stars in the Mother City on Friday at Cape Town Stadium (8pm kickoff).
Thereafter they visit Supersport United, host Golden Arrows and close against Polokwane City. Compared to Wits and Sundowns, City have more rest days in between their matches, and could find themselves back in the hunt if their rivals drop points.
Tinkler’s Maritzburg counterpart, Fadlu Davids, meanwhile praised his side for restricting City’s play and enhancing their chances of a top eight finish. The tactical discipline and fighting spirit was a work in progress, begun by former coach Ernst Middendorp last season, said Davids.
He credited City for their overall performance and believed they are still in the race.
“I still think they have a chance. They are a fantastic team.
“They really took the PSL by storm this season and they still have a chance to win it,” Davids said.
That chance could improve, if the Team of Choice upset Wits in Johannesburg on Sunday.