Orlando Pirates caretaker coach Eric Tinkler has revealed he almost played for Stuart Baxter at Swedish club AIK more than 15 years ago, but the deal fell through after the club failed to meet the former Bafana midfielder's financial demands.
Tomorrow at FNB Stadium, Tinkler comes face to face with Kaizer Chiefs coach Baxter in a potentially explosive Soweto derby.
At the helm of the country's two biggest clubs, the coaches meet for the second time in three months, with Tinkler eager to derail Amakhosi's title charge and avenge the 2-0 defeat on December 6.
Ahead of the tie, how do the coaches compare?
EXPERIENCE
Tinkler:He's spent the best part of the past 10 years absorbing knowledge of others as an assistant, but now wants to shine in the hot seat. Achievements as an assistant include winning the Nedbank Cup twice and reaching the CAF Champions League final.
Baxter: The Amakhosi mentor has 30 years of coaching experience. He's worked with national teams of South Africa, Finland and England's under-19s. At club level, Baxter has worked in Sweden, Japan, Scotland and Norway. He's coached in the Uefa Cup and has won three trophies with Amakhosi.
Verdict:advantage Amakhosi
TACTICS
Tinkler:Pirates are a joy to watch going forward with skilful wingers and two strikers who are free to express themselves, but they are vulnerable in defence.
Baxter:His teams are workmanlike, with versatile and physically strong players. He likes having a big man up front to unsettle opponents, recently using Matthew Rusike following the departure of Kingston Nkhatha. He always seeks to dominate.
Verdict: advantage Amakhosi
MAN-MANAGEMENT
Tinkler:Pirates players look a lot happier with Tinkler than they were under the uptight Vladimir Vermezovic. He may not be a big- name coach, but Tinkler has the players' respect.
Baxter: He is firm but also fair with his troops. He stands up for players in public, like he did when fans were booing Nkhatha.
Verdict: even
KEY MEN
Tinkler:Lehlohonolo Majoro is the man Tinkler will pin his hopes on to sink Amakhosi.
Baxter:The first name in the line-up is probably Willard Katsande, the anchorman who usually snuffs out danger before the defenders have to.
Verdict:advantage Bucs
PRESSURE
Tinkler: He's not under any pressure, thanks to a good run of results. Fans, though, don't take defeat on derby day lightly.
Baxter:No pressure right now, but fans will be calling for his head if Amakhosi don't win the title.
Verdict:even
It's student v master
Orlando Pirates caretaker coach Eric Tinkler has revealed he almost played for Stuart Baxter at Swedish club AIK more than 15 years ago, but the deal fell through after the club failed to meet the former Bafana midfielder's financial demands.
Tomorrow at FNB Stadium, Tinkler comes face to face with Kaizer Chiefs coach Baxter in a potentially explosive Soweto derby.
At the helm of the country's two biggest clubs, the coaches meet for the second time in three months, with Tinkler eager to derail Amakhosi's title charge and avenge the 2-0 defeat on December 6.
Ahead of the tie, how do the coaches compare?
EXPERIENCE
Tinkler:He's spent the best part of the past 10 years absorbing knowledge of others as an assistant, but now wants to shine in the hot seat. Achievements as an assistant include winning the Nedbank Cup twice and reaching the CAF Champions League final.
Baxter: The Amakhosi mentor has 30 years of coaching experience. He's worked with national teams of South Africa, Finland and England's under-19s. At club level, Baxter has worked in Sweden, Japan, Scotland and Norway. He's coached in the Uefa Cup and has won three trophies with Amakhosi.
Verdict:advantage Amakhosi
TACTICS
Tinkler:Pirates are a joy to watch going forward with skilful wingers and two strikers who are free to express themselves, but they are vulnerable in defence.
Baxter:His teams are workmanlike, with versatile and physically strong players. He likes having a big man up front to unsettle opponents, recently using Matthew Rusike following the departure of Kingston Nkhatha. He always seeks to dominate.
Verdict: advantage Amakhosi
MAN-MANAGEMENT
Tinkler:Pirates players look a lot happier with Tinkler than they were under the uptight Vladimir Vermezovic. He may not be a big- name coach, but Tinkler has the players' respect.
Baxter: He is firm but also fair with his troops. He stands up for players in public, like he did when fans were booing Nkhatha.
Verdict: even
KEY MEN
Tinkler:Lehlohonolo Majoro is the man Tinkler will pin his hopes on to sink Amakhosi.
Baxter:The first name in the line-up is probably Willard Katsande, the anchorman who usually snuffs out danger before the defenders have to.
Verdict:advantage Bucs
PRESSURE
Tinkler: He's not under any pressure, thanks to a good run of results. Fans, though, don't take defeat on derby day lightly.
Baxter:No pressure right now, but fans will be calling for his head if Amakhosi don't win the title.
Verdict:even
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