Tinkler retains the reins
THE Orlando Pirates ship will continue to sail under the steady hand of caretaker coach Eric Tinkler for the foreseeable future.
While he was not named the permanent head coach, Tinkler received a vote of confidence from Pirates chairman Irvin Khoza yesterday.
Khoza indicated the importance of “continuity” and “momentum” that the team enjoyed with Tinkler on the bench.
At the weekend, the former international midfielder masterminded Pirates’ 2-0 away victory over AS Kaloum of Guinea in the first leg of an African Confederations Cup tie, which places them 90 minutes away from the group stages of the second-tier continental competition.
“Orlando Pirates caretaker coach Eric Tinkler is to continue being in charge of the Orlando Pirates senior team.
“There is no reason to change anything, as this might have a negative effect on the momentum Eric has managed to build,” said Khoza of the former Bafana Bafana midfielder who took charge in December following the exit of Serbian Vladimir Vermezovic.
Tinkler previously also stood in as caretaker coach following the departure of Roger de Sa after their run to the African Champions League final the previous season.
However, he was replaced by Vermezovic, who struggled to get Pirates to play to their full potential.
“Continuity is important in football. It is important from both a physical and psychological standpoint. Eric’s hand is getting sturdier with time. There is no need to interrupt his growing momentum,” Khoza said.
Tinkler has helped the side build momentum domestically and continentally, and brought players like Thabo Rakhale and Menzi Masuku to the fore.
The latter scooped the Absa P r e - miership Goal of the Season award at the weekend for a wonder strike in a recent league game against Supersport United.
The vote of confidence means Tinkler will be at the helm when the 2015/2016 season starts in August.
The second leg of Bucs’ tie against AS Kaloum of Guinea will be played on June 6 at Orlando Stadium in Soweto. – Sports Reporter