The ball is now in Tinkler’s court
ERIC Tinkler has thought about the missiles and coaches that have been escorted off the pitch by police. Who wouldn’t when you are at the helm of Orlando Pirates?
Vladimir Vermezovic, his mate Roger de Sa, Bibey Mutombo and even league-winning coach Gordon Igesund have all been there and Tinkler has a lot of work to do to ensure he does not get the same treatment now that Pirates have confirmed he’ll continue as the club’s coach next season.
For now, he’s doing a pretty good job and Bucs management have rewarded him.
Pirates are on the verge of qualifying for the CAF Confederations Cup group stages, but the hard work starts now for Tinkler. He has to prove he is more than just a stopgap coach and that keeping him in the hot seat was indeed the right decision. Trophies are what Pirates fans want and Tinkler has to deliver.
“Yes I have thought about that (coaches getting escorted off the field because of fans). I hope we eradicate that from football because that’s not the way to deal with things. We don’t need to resort to violence,” Tinkler said.
“There’s pressure at Pirates. Imagine a Pirates coach losing 6-1 like Liverpool did (last weekend). It wouldn’t be accepted. Responsibility is massive and fans are hard to please. I have grown to understand that. It’s about the coach being able to handle the pressure. I believe in myself,” said Tinkler, who said he has the support and respect of players.
“It’s important to have players wanting to play for you. They should follow instructions not because they need to but because they believe in what you are saying and doing.”
Reaching the group stages would be a big boost for Tinkler, but not enough to convince Pirates fans he is the right man just yet. Bucs will take a 2-0 lead into the second leg tie against AS Kaloum of Guinea on Saturday at Bidvest Stadium in the final knockout round match before the group stages.
“We did not have a good season. I came in at a difficult time after the death of Senzo (Meyiwa). I started working with players openly. I gave them time to heal and try express themselves and play according to their strengths.
“Next season we have to turn a new leaf and move on. Expectations are high and we need to achieve our objectives. We also want to keep doing well in the Confederation Cup. Everybody is motivated.”
Striker Thamsanqa Gabuza has emerged as an unlikely hero for Pirates in the competition. He’s played 72 minutes in the league but has been the go-to guy for Tinkler. He scored in the first leg against Kaloum and looks set to start again on Saturday.
“Gabuza has done well. He has strength and makes it difficult for defenders because of his aggression. You need that when you are playing away. He took his opportunity.
“He came to me on a few occasions to speak to me about when he would get his opportunity. But I told him to be patient. He is committed.”