Tinkler gets the best out of Bucs

A STERN talk with the players at half time inspired Orlando Pirates to their biggest victory in the Premiership this season and brought back smiles to the gloomy faces of fans.

Bucs caretaker coach Eric Tinkler says he expressed discontent with the team’s first half performance against Ajax Cape Town and it did the trick as they romped to a 4-0 victory over the Urban Warriors at Orlando Stadium on Saturday.

Pirates played like a team brimming with breezy confidence, racing to a 3-0 lead within the first 20 minutes of the second period before substitute Kermit Erasmus sealed the deal with a cool finish late in the game to bring an end to a barren spell. Bucs had gone four matches without a win before the emphatic victory.

“It was important to get a win and I think this is our turning point,” Tinkler said. “At half-time the players were aware that I was not happy with the performance in the first half. We did not show the same urgency like we did against Mamelodi Sundowns. I felt we were disjointed because in our build-up we struggled to link up play with strikers.

“The main reason for that is that our midfielders, Oupa [Manyisa] and Issa [Sarr] were dropping way too deep. Because they were so deep, we had no midfield. One of the strikers had to drop into midfield so that we could link up play and that happened when Kermit came on.

“I am happy we kept a clean sheet. That will give our goalkeeper [Brighton Mhlongo] confidence.”

Tinkler has given players freedom to express themselves, but stressed that it should benefit the team.

“The players need to be able to express themselves, particular the offensive players. What is vitally important is that they do it in the right area and at the right time.

“We have to move forward and we have to create opportunities. I am a South African and I know the players have a technical ability to entertain the crowd. I favour that, but as long as it’s positive,” Tinkler said.

Pirates moved up to fifth on the log and face battling Moroka Swallows in Dobsonville on Wednesday.