It’s all about momentum, says Tinkler ahead of Ajax clash

When SuperSport United go up against Ajax Cape Town at Athlone Stadium tomorrow night, Eric Tinkler wants Matsatsantsa to maintain the same momentum they displayed in their 1-1 draw with crosstown rivals Mamelodi Sundowns in the capital-city derby on Saturday.

“That momentum is what we need. It brings a new lease of life for the players, a new morale and it renews their confidence. It has been tough for us,” said Tinkler, who is preparing his side for a trip to the Mother City.

In Muhsin Ertugral’s struggling Ajax side, SuperSport face a team that is threatened with losing their Absa Premiership status as they are currently occupying the relegation play-off spot, just four points away from the drop zone.

Tinkler’s Matsatsantsa are not far away from the relegation quagmire as they are just a handful of points ahead of the Urban Warriors. The former Orlando Pirates coach does not want his side to be dragged into the mire as he targets a top eight finish.

“We know the quality we have in the squad and we can take it forward and look to climb up the league table.

“I think the players have now come back with a different mindset and with a different spirit and more energy. What we have done has really helped us.”

Tinkler was happy to welcome back Bafana Bafana goalkeeper Ronwen Williams (right) on Saturday after he had spent close to four months on the sidelines.

Tinkler insists that the 26-year-old was not parachuted into the Tshwane derby, but was in fact ready to take to the field for the first time since last October.

“Ronwen’s return was not by chance. This was the date we had set over a month ago,” Tinkler insisted.

“We said he would be back for the Sundowns game. It was not for any other reason that he played.

“We knew exactly how long his recovery period would be and how long his training period would be with the physiotherapist and the conditioning coach.

“If there was ever a worry that his shoulder was okay or not, I think his performance killed all doubts.”