Coach Tinkler s choice of Bacela was a master stroke
A GOAL up and one man down just after the hour mark, many coaches would probably choose to bring on a defender and park the bus, Jose Mourinho style.
But Orlando Pirates caretaker coach Eric Tinkler is different. He chose to bring on striker Lennox Bacela for Sifiso Myeni after Lehlohonolo Majoro had been sent off with about 30 minutes still to play against Platinum Stars at Royal Bafokeng Stadium on Saturday.
Bucs fans were furious when the interim boss sent Bacela to warm up, calling for Kermit Erasmus to come on instead.
Tinkler, though, could not care less what the fans wanted and his decision was justified when Bacela sealed the deal for Bucs with a goal at the death as the visitors won 2-0.
Afterwards, Tinkler called for fans to support players.
I work with the players everyday. I know where their strengths are and where their weaknesses are. I know them like they are my children,” Tinkler said.
“Immediately when Majoro got the red card I thought about Lennox. He ended up getting the goal and it ’ s good for him. We are very happy with the win because the boys showed character again.”
Tinkler believes Majoro can finish the season as the league ’ s top scorer.
Majoro, who scored the opener on Saturday, was seen as a super sub when Vladimir Vermezovic was coach last year, but Tinkler is using him from the start and it is working.
The former Kaizer Chiefs striker has joined Puleng Tlolane and Moeketsi Sekola on top of the scoring charts with eight goals and is looking good to go past the 10 goals that, embarrassingly, were enough to win Bernard Parker the top scorer award last season.
The Buccaneers, who remained in fourth place after their victory on Saturday, begin the defence of their Nedbank Cup title on Wednesday with a clash against Tornado FC at Orlando Stadium.
The ABC Motsepe League outfit is coached by Bucs legend Jerry Sikhosana.