Tinkler is not buying talk of Oupa’s decline
Downs perfect fit for star, coach feels ahead of Tshwane derby fireworks
Contrary to the opinion of some sceptics, new Mamelodi Sundowns signing Oupa Manyisa remains a talented footballer, according to his former coach Eric Tinkler. The SuperSport United coach feels a change of scenery will allow Manyisa, 29, to resuscitate his career after a dip in form in the past few seasons.
The midfielder left who Orlando Pirates for Sundowns a fortnight ago, will face Tinkler in their Absa Premiership opener at the Lucas Moripe Stadium tomorrow (3pm). During his time as an assistant coach and then caretaker coach at Pirates, Tinkler worked closely with Manyisa from 2012 to 2016.
The former Buccaneers captain was even seen by some as one of the players who received preferential treatment from Tinkler with the playmaker continually in the starting team despite underperforming.
“I think he’s still got it. I think the [knee] injury that he had set him back. It hurt his confidence and then obviously the form of Pirates over the past two seasons hasn’t been very good,” Tinkler told Sowetan yesterday.
“Oupa is a very offensive player; he likes to have possession of the ball and he is the kind of player that suits the style at Sundowns.
“He is one of the top players that I have coached in my career,” added Tinkler who is also one of the new faces to feature in the Tshwane derby tomorrow.
SuperSport have been on a losing streak against their neighbours in the past six consecutive league games.
As Cape Town City mentor Tinkler, however, got the better of Sundowns last season with two wins in their home and away rounds in the league. “That’s the motivation. That’s what I’ve told the players, that they have an opportunity to change that history.”