Tinkler ready for conditions
Bumpy pitch one of hurdles for Buccaneers
‘ They were difficult when we played them last time.They play with a lot of aggression
IT seems there is nothing Eric Tinkler does not know about Caf Confederation Cup opponents AC Leopards. The Orlando Pirates coach has really done his homework and is preparing his Buccaneers for battle on “the worst pitch” when they face the Congo-Brazzaville club in their first group stage match in Dolisie on Saturday (3.30 SA time).
“We watched a video of their game against [Ivorian club] ASEC Mimosas [last year] and the state of the pitch was shocking. The field we are going to play on is probably the worst.
“It’s extremely bumpy and the Leopards have adapted their game to the pitch. The condition of the pitch was not the best when we played against them [in 2013] and truth be told nothing has changed.
“They are very hard to beat at home. They beat ASEC 4-1 and played [Nigerian side] Warri Wolves in the playoff round before the group stages and won 3-0. It’s going to be a difficult game,” the former Bafana Bafana midfielder said.
The Leopards beat Pirates 1-0 two years ago in the Caf Champions League in Dolisie after holding the Buccaneers to a goalless draw at Orlando Stadium.
They are an organised team and one player Tinkler is wary of is midfielder-cum-striker Cesaire Gandze.
Gandze played when the two sides met in 2013. He has two goals to his name in Caf club competitions this year.
“They were difficult when we played them last time. They play with a lot of aggression and we are going to find it extremely difficult,” Tinkler said.
“They have a new young striker who wears the No 14 [Kader Bidimbou]. He is sharp and good in the air. They also have Gandze, who is a great player.”
Tinkler will be without suspended striker Thamsanqa Gabuza, on a high after scoring two goals for Bafana Bafana recently, and also Rooi Mahamutsa.
“Gabuza is the type of player we would have liked to utilise. He is good in the air and we could have used him as a way to get out of difficult situations.”