Irvin Khoza Says Orlando Pirates' Supporters Were Impatient with Eric Tinkler
SuperSport United's Eric Tinkler is no stranger to cup semi-finals, and his former boss, Irvin Khoza, believes Orlando Pirates' supporters weren't patient enough when he was with them. Read: Champions! - SA Duo Secure Europa League Spot This weekend Matsatsantsa host Club Africain at Lucas Moripe Stadium as Tinkler looks to reach his second CAF Confederation Cup final in three years, with the former Bafana Bafana midfielders finishing as runner-up with Pirates in 2015. Khoza, who gave Tinkler his first job as a head coach, says that he's happy to see him doing well having already proven himself at Cape Town City before making the move to Tshane earlier this year. He told the media this week, What defines a coach is their work ethic. Tinkler is defined by that. Tinkler is hands on. That is why it was not easy for me to let him go. I wanted to maintain him in the team, but unfortunately, he got a very good offer, and I'm happy he's doing very well. "You see‚ my selection of Tinkler was not misplaced. It was a good choice, but unfortunately, the supporters were impatient, and a lot of people are impatient‚ but we see things that they don't see, because when they never saw anything in Tinkler. I saw something in Tinkler, and I'm happy it's been proven right that my choice was the correct choice." Click here to check out the PSL fixtures With Tinkler preparing for Saturday's CCC clash with the Tunisians, Khoza isn't surprised by his success, saying that he was prepared for success during his time with the Buccaneers. "When he went to Cape Town City, he won a trophy. Now he's in a final and a semifinal. So, there's nothing new about Tinkler because we have prepared him for that. He's been in the final of the Confederation Cup. He's been in three finals in the country. "Tinkler is one of the guys who are prepared to be tested and to be audited – not one of those who just go into the TV studio just to critique." SuperSport have already made it through to one final this year after manoeuvring their way into the MTN8 showpiece and will be hoping to use home advantage this weekend before their trip to Tunisia.
