Orlando Pirates News Today: Tinkler to replace ex-Chiefs coach? Star striker started as keeper

Published on by

Orlando Pirates News Today: Tinkler to replace ex-Chiefs coach? Star striker started as keeper

Latest Orlando Pirates news in the last 24 hours, including Eric Tinkler set for Premier Soccer League return, Fadlu Davids seconds Miguel Cardoso on pitches, striker who started as a goalkeeper, and more.

Ex-Pirates coach set to replace fired former Chiefs tactician

South African tactician Eric Tinkler is set to take over as head coach of Durban City after Ghanaian giants Asante Kotoko agreed to release him from his contract, according to iDiski Times.

Tinkler is set to take charge of the head coach role at Durban-based outfit after the exit of Khalil Ben Youssef.

Asante Kotoko released a statement confirming the exit of Tinkler from the club just three months into the head coach role. Tinkler was in charge of Kotoko’s Sunday afternoon 2-0 loss against Aduana Stars which was Kotoko’s first loss of the season after four games. The former Cape Town City mentor already won a trophy with the Ghanaian giants.

Eric Tinkler during his time at Asante Kotoko.
Eric Tinkler during his time at Asante Kotoko.

Meanwhile, City released Khalil Ben Youssef after seven games in which they won one, drew four, and lost two. The Tunisian also led City to the second round of the CAF Confederations Cup.

Tinkler is expected to take over this week in Durban, with two weeks to work with the players before the Betway Premiership returns.

Former Bucs coach seconds Cardoso on pitches

South African coach Fadlu Davids has backed Miguel Cardoso’s concerns over the poor condition of some of the pitches used in the PSL.

Cardoso recently criticised the playing surface at Buffalo City Stadium in KuGompo City after his side, Mamelodi Sundowns, were held to a 1-1 draw by Chippa United.

The Portuguese coach has previously raised concerns about the condition of several other pitches in South Africa, including the Old Peter Mokaba Stadium and Kanyamazane Stadium.

Davids believes Sundowns operate at such a high technical level that some teams may benefit from taking them to pitches where it becomes difficult for them to play their usual brand of football.

He also suggested that the PSL could improve the overall image of the league by adopting a stadium-management approach similar to that used in Morocco.

“I have to be honest, it’s [Sundowns success in Africa] a reflection of how good Sundowns are, the quality of the league, I’m not sure whether it’s the same level of quality that Sundowns has,” Davids said on Radio 2000.

Fadlu Davids left Raja Casablanca.
Fadlu Davids left Raja Casablanca. Image: CAF

“Sundowns are forced, whether it’s legitimate or not legitimate, to take them to places where pitch conditions will be difficult. And that’s not good for our football.

“I always hear coach Cardoso complaining about pitches and he’s absolutely right. In Morocco, we played on carpet in any part of Morocco. 

“That’s because the league manages all pitches. And all the pitches have the certain standard and when it comes to winter or summer grass, the league will stop for certain period so that they can change the pitch conditions. I think that will definitely improve the image of our league.”

Bucs striker started as a keeper!

Many football supporters will be surprised to know that Orlando Pirates and Bafana Bafana striker, Yanela Mbuthuma started his career as a goalkeeper before being converted to a striker in the amateur ranks.

<!-- Author Start -->Willis Sob<!-- Author End -->

Willis Sob

Author

  • Football Odds
  • Sports Journalism
  • Football

Willis Sob is a sports betting expert and journalist covering Nigeria and South Africa, with 16 years of experience. With a background in journalism, reporting and programme production, he specialises in football odds, and his work has appeared on OK Africa and GOAL, as well as TV, radio and podcasts.

You May Also Like