Ex-Pirates coach joins Broos succession race – ‘It’s the wish of every coach’

Former Bafana Bafana and Orlando Pirates midfielder Eric Tinkler has made it clear he would not refuse the opportunity to lead the South African national team if the offer were to arise.

Tinkler’s name has frequently been mentioned in discussions about potential successors to current head coach Hugo Broos, who has announced his intention to retire after the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

This has prompted the South African Football Association (SAFA) to begin considering future candidates for the top job.

Tinkler open to replacing Bafana coach

“I think it’s the wish of every coach to coach his national team,” Tinkler told KickOff. “But whether that will happen or not, who knows?”

A celebrated figure in South African football, Tinkler was a key member of the legendary 1996 Africa Cup of Nations-winning squad, widely regarded as the nation’s greatest-ever team.

His coaching career is also notable for several significant achievements. He led Orlando Pirates to a CAF Confederation Cup final, had two separate spells managing Cape Town City, and famously orchestrated a dramatic escape from relegation with Maritzburg United.

Ex-Pirates boss comments on Durban links

Tinkler also took the opportunity to address recent speculation linking him to the vacant managerial position at Durban City FC, which is currently overseen by interim coach Pitso Dladla.

“Regarding Durban City, at the moment I’m still in Cape Town,” he clarified. “But I can tell you now that I haven’t had any talks with Durban City.”

The former Sekhukhune United coach is the latest high-profile name to express an interest in replacing Broos, after Pitso Masimane also threw his hat in the ring early this year.

SAFA said recently that the process to replace Broos will start soon and it remains to be seen whether they will go for another foreign coach or settle on a local one