Pressure mounting on Pirates coach Tinkler
THE biggest match of his career is looming and Orlando Pirates coach Eric Tinkler has a squad lacking in confidence at the moment.
Pirates, now on five points in five league matches, failed to get a much-needed win against Polokwane City on Tuesday, playing to a goalless draw with Kosta Papic’s side ahead of Saturday’s Caf Confederation Cup first-leg semifinal against reigning champions Al Ahly.
Still without a victory in all competitions since August 22, when they beat AC Leopards in a Confederation Cup Group B match, Pirates need the performance of their lives against the Egyptian giants in the continental club competition.
Pressure is mounting on Tinkler and he will find it difficult to keep his job if he does not win the Confederation Cup. It is going to be difficult to get a positive result with players who do not look motivated.
“I was not happy with the draw [against Polokwane City]. There was not enough penetration,” Tinkler said.
“Our decision-making was poor. It comes from panic sometimes and a lack of confidence. We made the wrong pass and we did not control the ball in the final third. All the basics just did not go right for us, which was very disappointing for me.
“It was important for us to pick up three points because then we would have seen happier faces and the spirit in the camp would be a lot better.
“We need to rebuild that consistency.
“There’s always pressure at Orlando Pirates, but I still have faith in the players and in what I am doing. You’ve got to be- lieve it will change.
“I have to be positive in order for the players to be positive,” he said.
Pirates could have even lost on Tuesday were it not for the brilliance of their goalkeeper, Felipe Ovono, who made a couple of saves at the death to deny the hosts a victory.
Tinkler was, however, pleased with the clean sheet, Pirates’ first of the season.
“We kept a clean sheet and that’s a positive. [Edwin] Gyimah did well and I need to keep him motivated by giving him game time.”
Tinkler is hoping captain Oupa Manyisa will be available to face Al Ahly after he was taken off with a sprained left ankle on Tuesday.
He could miss the clash on Saturday along with Happy Jele and Siyabonga Sangweni, who are both suspended.
“I am hoping it [Manyisa’s injury] is not too serious,” Tinkler said.