Pirates take on Celtic in key clash

Cloud over coach ahead of tonight’s game

[caption id="attachment_97300" align="alignright" width="165"] ERIC TINKLER[/caption]

BACKS straight, confidence high, and coach possibly in the dog box is how Orlando Pirates will travel to Free State Stadium to meet Bloemfontein Celtic in tonight’s Absa Premiership match.

Last week was an excellent one for Orlando Pirates, who got their first domestic victory on Tuesday with a 4-1 Absa Premiership thrashing of Port Elizabeth side Chippa United at Orlando Stadium. They returned to their home ground on Saturday to beat Congolese club AC Leopards 2-0 and seal their place in the Caf Confederation Cup semifinals.

The week was soured to some extent by news that Bucs coach Eric Tinkler might have landed himself in hot water with an irrational outburst at journalists at Pirates’ final training session ahead of the Leopards game on Friday.

The coach took exception to a line of questioning on a technical team blunder that resulted in Pirates going into the match with just one uninjured, registered goalkeeper, Felipe Ovono.

Times Media is informed that one of the journalists present has been asked by Pirates management to provide the club with a copy of the recording of Tinkler’s tirade.

Pirates administrative officer Floyd Mbele said yesterday the club would establish the facts before deciding whether any action was needed.

“We’ve seen the article on the alleged incident,” Mbele said.

“What is written there is unfortunate, but as a club we feel it is important to first establish the facts before deciding if we need to take the process forward.”

Celtic finally secured a clearance for new Ugandan signing Geofrey Massa last week. -Marc Strydom