Eric Tinkler will face early test
Eric Tinkler has lofty ambitions for Chippa United but his first job as coach will be to plot the downfall of his former club, SuperSport United, in their Absa Premiership fixture on Wednesday.
The former Bafana Bafana and Orlando Pirates midfielder was on Wednesday revealed as the Chilli Boys’ new coach following the dramatic exit of Dan Malesela.
Tinkler will not have much time to get to know his players, but the playing of the MTN8 semifinals this weekend is in his favour.
It affords him a few extra days to assess what he has at his disposal before his first match in Pretoria on Wednesday.
The appointment will also help revive Tinkler’s coaching career in the Absa Premiership after he left SuperSport in March when things turned sour as the club became targets for relegation last season.
The former Vitória de Setúbal and Cagliari player said he was targeting a top-eight finish for the Chilli Boys.
“I am very happy to join Chippa United. I am looking forward to getting back to what I love, which is coaching, and hopefully make Chippa a successful team,” the 48-yearold, from Roodepoort, said.
“I think there are very good players at the club.
“With that squad the team should be able to go far.
“It’s just about turning that group of players into a good team and obviously looking to get the team away from the bottom of the log table.”
Chippa have not won in three Absa Premiership matches. They were beaten 2-0 by Bloemfontein Celtic in their league opener, followed by a 1-0 loss to Pirates and a 2-2 draw against Black Leopards in East London last weekend.
Asked what he believes is missing in the club in terms of getting the winning formula right, the coach said: “It’s still very early days. It’s only three games into the league and there are a lot of new faces who have joined the club.
“Unfortunately, in the modern game people demand success and sometimes it doesn’t work that way.
“I think ultimately they have a good squad and with a good work rate, discipline and understanding, I think the team can go far.”
Tinkler said his first responsibility was to ensure that Chippa move away from the bottom of the log.
“It’s a good challenge. I would like to finish in the top eight and I do think that is realistic – there is a good enough squad for us to try and fight to get into that top eight.”
As manifested in the dismissal of Malesela this week, Chippa chair Siviwe Mpengesi is not a patient man when it comes to results.
Asked if he would be able to quickly get the results the boss is looking for, Tinkler said: “My objective is to bring success to the club. I think both parties are happy with the terms and agreement we made at my appointment.
“I hope to fulfil the wishes and demands that not only he wishes for the club, but that I do as well. That has got to be the target.
“People from the Eastern Cape must come out and support. Hopefully with their support and our hard work we can make PE and East London proud of their local team.”
Would you like to comment on this article?
Register (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
FREE TO READ | Just register if you’re new, or sign in.
Questions or problems? Email helpdesk@heraldlive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00.