TINKLER READY TO RING THE BELL OF SUCCESS AT CHIPPA
New man, Tinkler, will have to keep a tight grip on Chippa coaching reins
New coach makes bold statement that he is aiming for a top-eight finish, as he prepares to take on his previous club, SuperSport United
Eric Tinkler has lofty ambitions for Chippa United but his first job as coach will be to plot the downfall of his former club SuperSport United in their Absa Premiership fixture on Wednesday.
The former Bafana Bafana and Orlando Pirates midfielder was on Wednesday revealed as the Chilli Boys’ new coach following the dramatic exit of Dan Malesela.
Tinkler will not have much time to get to know his players but in his favour is that this weekend will see the playing of the MTN8 semifinals. This affords him a few extra days to assess exactly what he has at his disposal before his first match at Lucas Moripe stadium next Wednesday.
The appointment will also help revive Tinkler’s coaching career in the Absa Premiership after left SuperSport in March when things turned sour as the club became targets for relegation last season.
The former Vitória de Setúbal and Cagliari player said he is targeting a top eight finish for the Chilli Boys.
“I am very happy to join Chippa United. I am looking forward to getting back to what I love which is coaching and hopefully make Chippa a successful team,” said the 48-yearold, of Roodepoort.
“I have been watching their games so far and I think there are very good players at the club. With that squad the team should be able to go far.
“It’s just about turning that group of players into a good team and obviously looking to get the team away from the bottom of the log table.”
Chippa have not won in three Absa Premiership matches. They were beaten
2-0 by Bloemfontein Celtic in their league opener followed by a 1-0 loss to Pirates. Their most recent result was a 2-2 draw against Black Leopards in East London at the weekend.
Asked about what he believed was missing in the club in terms of getting the winning formula right the coach said: “It’s still very early days. It’s only three games into the league and there are a lot of new faces who have joined the club. Unfortunately in the modern game people demand success and sometimes it doesn’t work that way.
“I think ultimately they have a good squad and with good workrate, discipline and understanding. I think the team can go far.” Tinkler said his first responsibility was to ensure that Chippa move away from where it finds itself at the bottom of the log.
“It’s a good challenge because of the type of person that I am. I would like to finish in the top eight and I do think that is realistic. There is good enough squad for us to try and fight to get into that top eight,” said the coach. As manifested in the dismissal of Malesela this week, Mpengesi is not a very patient man when it comes to results. Asked if he would be able to quickly get the results the chairman is looking for, Tinkler replied: “My objective is to bring success to the club. I think both parties are happy with the terms and agreement that we made at my appointment. I hope to fulfil the wishes and demands that not only he wishes for the club, but that I do as well. That has got to be the target,” he said.
“People from the Eastern Cape must come out and support Chippa. Hopefully with their support and our hard work we can make Port Elizabeth and East London proud of their local team.”