Soon after Orlando Pirates lost the CAF Confederations Cup final to Tunisian team Etoile du Sahel, the hashtag #Tinklermustfall started trending.
It’s the usual malaise that infests South African football. Lose and the finger of blame is firmly pointed at the coach.
But, while these naïve and fickle supporters of the popular Soweto club vent their frustration on social media, and demand the sacking of head coach Eric Tinkler, they have no idea what it takes to get to such a prestigious Cup final. Because, without a doubt, Pirates – and Tinkler – deserve huge praise for their efforts.
In 2013, they lost to legendary Egyptian club Al Ahly in the final of the African Champions League and, at the weekend, they succumbed in yet another high-profile continental competition. Pirates should be lauded rather than have a negative cloud surrounding the future of the coach.
“I suppose Pirates were expected to win and that’s what’s so frustrating for their fans,” said Ajax Cape Town coach Roger de Sa, who was in charge of Pirates during their charge to the Champions League final in 2013.
“As far as I am concerned, what Pirates have achieved over the last few seasons, is fantastic. I don’t think people realise just how outstanding a feat it is… and I don’t think they know just how difficult a successful run in an African competition is. It’s a long, hard journey, with many obstacles and difficulties to overcome. I can assure you that there are many bigger clubs, all over the continent, that would love to have done what Pirates have.
“I think they have now laid the foundation for success in Africa. The experience of the two Cup finals will be of great benefit… and, what’s more, the players certainly have the hunger and the belief that they can succeed in one of these competitions in the future.”
As for the possible axing of Tinkler, De Sa had a good, long giggle at the absurdity of it all.
“It’s just unbelievable… I was in the same boat after the Champions League final. But I’m sure the Pirates management will make the right decision. You know sometimes there are 10 boos in the stadium and 1 000 cheers… it’s just that the boos are louder. This situation is probably the same, I’m sure most supporters would agree that Eric (Tinkler) has done a great job.”
De Sa, of course, would have followed Pirates’ campaign in the CAF Confederation Cup very closely because next year Ajax will be participating in the same competition. The Cape side qualified by virtue of being runners-up in last season’s Nedbank Cup. With the winners of that Cup event, Mamelodi Sundowns, already in the Champions League, the SA spot went to Ajax.
“For this young Ajax squad, it will definitely be a new experience,” said De Sa. “I’ve always believed that playing in African competitions is the closest many players will get to international football.
“The conditions are different and the travel exhausting, and then there is the different style of match officials to deal with, together with the intimidating nature of football on the continent.
“But we will try to go as far as we can… we won’t be looking to just make up the numbers. We will have to prepare well and be very organised in how we approach our participation in the competition.” - Cape Argus