A STERN talk with the players at half time inspired Orlando Pirates to their biggest victory in the Absa Premiership this season and brought back smiles to the gloomy faces of The Ghost.
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 hapless Urban Warriors at Orlando Stadium on Saturday.
The Buccaneers played like a team brimming with 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. Lehlohonolo Majoro scored a brace, while another goal was struck by Siyabonga Sangweni. Bucs had gone four matches without a win before the weekend's 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. 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. One of the strikers had to drop into midfield so that we could link up play and that happened when Kermit came on. We looked more of a threat going forward.
"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, particularly the offensive players. What is vitally important is that they do it in the right area and at the right time," he said.
"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. I have never shouted at a player for trying to express himself."
Pirates moved up to fifth and face battling Moroka Swallows in Dobsonville on Wednesday.
Half-time talk roused Pirates
A STERN talk with the players at half time inspired Orlando Pirates to their biggest victory in the Absa Premiership this season and brought back smiles to the gloomy faces of The Ghost.
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 hapless Urban Warriors at Orlando Stadium on Saturday.
The Buccaneers played like a team brimming with 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. Lehlohonolo Majoro scored a brace, while another goal was struck by Siyabonga Sangweni. Bucs had gone four matches without a win before the weekend's 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. 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. One of the strikers had to drop into midfield so that we could link up play and that happened when Kermit came on. We looked more of a threat going forward.
"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, particularly the offensive players. What is vitally important is that they do it in the right area and at the right time," he said.
"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. I have never shouted at a player for trying to express himself."
Pirates moved up to fifth and face battling Moroka Swallows in Dobsonville on Wednesday.
Would you like to comment on this article?
Register (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Trending
Latest Videos