Tinkler more than happy with an away point

South African national football squad ahead of a busy period which will involve qualifiers for the 2018 World Cup and the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations.

Both Manyama and Walters have earned Bafana recalls because of their outstanding performances for City this season – and they will view these friendlies as a chance to nail down a more permanent position in the national squad.

As for Ajax, while coach Stanley Menzo was happy with the manner in which the team fought back with 10 men, after youngster Grant Magerman was sent off in the 70th minute, he remains unhappy with his team’s penchant for conceding soft goals.

Against Stars, as it has been all season long, the Urban Warriors allowed a period of dominance to be spoilt by a gratuitous error. This time, it was a wayward pass from goalkeeper Jody February that allowed the opposition in. But Menzo, nevertheless, had some sympathy for the young goalkeeper.

“As a goalkeeper myself, I know those moments,” said the former Ajax Amsterdam and Netherlands No 1. “The important thing in such situations is to tell yourself that there is nothing you can do about it, it’s over. You just have to go on … Jody did that, and that was good. As for the break now, it probably comes at a good time. It will allow the players some rest and recovery, especially those struggling with small injuries.”