Tinkler’s baptism of fire on familiar terrain

Chippa United coach Eric Tinkler will be desperate to make a winning start against his former side SuperSport United in their Absa Premiership fixture at Lucas Moripe Stadium on Wednesday.

After all the boardroom drama that resulted in Dan “Dance” Malesela losing his job last week, the dust has settled and it’s time for his replacement Tinkler to get his troops dancing to his tune.

Chippa are second from the bottom on the logstandings with a mere point from three games. Losses to Bloemfontein Celtic and Orlando Pirates have not helped their cause.

A win over Matsatsantsa on Wednesday could be a huge motivational boost for the side and Tinkler will be doing his utmost to get the best out of his team.

Last week the former Pirates coach said he would like to see Chippa finish in the top eight this season. He said his task at hand was to ensure that he gets the Chilli Boys away from the position they find themselves in at the moment.

“It’s a good challenge because of the type of person that I am,” Tinkler told the Dispatch.

“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.”

With a well-known triggerhappy boss, Tinkler will have to get the ball rolling by winning Wednesday’s game to remain in Mpengesi’s good books. Chippa captain Mark Mayambela says the players are happy to have Tinkler around at the club. The former Pirates and Ajax Cape Town midfielder said with new coach had what it takes to turn the clubs fortunes around.

SuperSport coach Kaitano Tembo says there will be no room for emotions on Wednesday.

“The MTN8 will take a back seat until after this match. We are putting our emphasis on the league and we are not going to be emotional about meeting Eric Tinkler‚ who was with us last season‚” said Tembo.

I would like to finish in the top eight and I do think that is realistic