From the Bench Tinkler going nowhere, for now
| Club official dismisses reports that their coach’s job is on the line
ORLANDO Pirates coach Eric Tinkler’s job is safe for now, according to the official word from the club.
Tinkler cut a seemingly isolated figure at Tunis Carthage Airport on the team’s return from losing the Caf Confederation Cup final against Etoile du Sahel in Tunisia on Tuesday.
The coach, under pressure even though he had steered Bucs to a continental final — their second in three years — sat alone with his headphones on staring gloomily at his tablet while the rest of the squad were in good spirits.
Pirates’ stirring run to the Confed Cup final, losing 2-1 on aggregate to Etoile last week, is countered by their unconvincing domestic form, where they are in 11th place in the PSL and have exited two cup competitions at the quarterfinal stage.
The official word is Pirates are not pushing panic, or eject, buttons or even holding emergency meetings.
Bucs administrative officer Floyd Mbele said the club’s management cannot make an analysis of the team’s performance against Sahel until their technical committee reports back.
Bucs’ backroom staff, including technical director Screamer Tshabalala, who accompanied the squad to Sousse, have allegedly been influential in the fortunes of the club’s coaches in the past.
“We are still excited we went as far as we did, and disappointed we were not able to get a positive result,” Mbele said.
“The technical committee will report on the analysis of what transpired, which will inform the club going forward.
“It’s not possible to take into account anything else, except by becoming sentimental, and we would not want to do that. Whatever conversation is discussed has to be factual.”
Mbele denied reports Tinkler had been called to a meeting with club chairman Irvin Khoza.
“There has been no such meeting to my knowledge. There may well be the regular meetings, where the technical committee will sit down.
“But they will have to sit down, because this is what will inform the report.
“The medical team will make their input. Is it the heat, humidity, the regeneration? How did they counter the travel challenges?
“Is it an isolated thing or does it need to be part of the report for the end of the season? Because our continental participation has been to the detriment of our domestic form.
“In a long-winded way, that’s the only response I’m able to give from the club at the moment.”
Mbele said Pirates will await the technical committee report before they can confirm an alleged training ground bust-up between Tinkler and defender Rooi Mahamutsa in Sousse, labelled by the Pirates coach on his return as a “lie”.
HOLDING ON: Orlando Pirates coach Eric Tinkler will be retained after reaching a continental cup final OUT: Clinton Larsen has been appointed new Arrows coach
In the last fortnight Maritzburg United, Bloemfontein Celtic and Golden Arrows have all seen coaches resign, opening job opportunities, and fuelling speculation Tinkler might be on the move.
The coaching musical chairs saw Celtic appoint former Arrows boss Serame Letsoaka IN: Former Arrows boss Serame Letsoaka has joined Celtic as head coach to replace Clinton Larsen.
Yesterday, Arrows released a statement announcing the appointment of Larsen to replace Letsoaka.
Abafana Bes’thende have roped in Mandla Ncikazi as Larsen’s second-in-command.
“We welcome both coaches to OUT: Former Afcon winner Clive Barker has also lost his job
We are excited we went as far as we did and disappointed we were not able to get a positive result
the team and wish them well during their stay with us,” read the statement.
Maritzburg are still searching for a coach and are believed to be far from finalising their shortlist to replace former Bafana Bafana mentor Clive Barker.
Maritzburg general manager Quintin Jettoo said the club are still taking CVs from applicants.