Eric Tinkler was almost done with his media interview at OR Tambo International Airport on Monday night when an Orlando Pirates fan interrupted with a comment that any coach would kill to hear.
"I must say to you keep up the good work," the man said while the rest of the Bucs supporters were singing and dancing around Tinkler.
For someone whose abilities are still questioned, Tinkler has indeed done a fine job, especially in the CAF ConfederationCup where the Buccaneers currently sit top of Group B after a 1-0 away win against Congolese outfit and 2012 champions AC Leopards at the weekend.
But Tinkler has been in the game long enough to know that fans are fickle and that he cannot allow what that man in a Bucs jersey and white cap said to go to his head.
His focus is making sure Pirates reach the Confederation Cup semifinals and that they are ready to perform when the local season gets under way next month.
That, however, will not be an easy task for the former Bafana Bafana midfielder, who has to give his players some rest before theirpre-season starts.
"It was important to start the competitionwell,butit would have also been okayifwehad secured a draw," said the Bucs coach.
"Nowtherestis important, physically andmentally.The playersneedtoget awayforadayto clear their minds.
"We will bring the players in on Wednesday [today], see how they feel and have a training session. The games are coming thick and fast. There's very little time for rest." Tinkler was impressed with the turnout at the airport but called on fans to come out in their numbers for all their matches.
"We are happy that the fans came out here but they need to come to the stadium when we play against Zamalek. We need their support."
Pirates face Zamalek, the five-time Champions League winners, at Mbombela Stadium on July 11 and Tinkler will be well prepared, just as he was for the Leopards match.
"I have a few videos of Zamalek, so I will study the opposition and obviously we will start to work ahead of that game," he said.
Kudos for Tinkler's fine job
Eric Tinkler was almost done with his media interview at OR Tambo International Airport on Monday night when an Orlando Pirates fan interrupted with a comment that any coach would kill to hear.
"I must say to you keep up the good work," the man said while the rest of the Bucs supporters were singing and dancing around Tinkler.
For someone whose abilities are still questioned, Tinkler has indeed done a fine job, especially in the CAF ConfederationCup where the Buccaneers currently sit top of Group B after a 1-0 away win against Congolese outfit and 2012 champions AC Leopards at the weekend.
But Tinkler has been in the game long enough to know that fans are fickle and that he cannot allow what that man in a Bucs jersey and white cap said to go to his head.
His focus is making sure Pirates reach the Confederation Cup semifinals and that they are ready to perform when the local season gets under way next month.
That, however, will not be an easy task for the former Bafana Bafana midfielder, who has to give his players some rest before theirpre-season starts.
"It was important to start the competitionwell,butit would have also been okayifwehad secured a draw," said the Bucs coach.
"Nowtherestis important, physically andmentally.The playersneedtoget awayforadayto clear their minds.
"We will bring the players in on Wednesday [today], see how they feel and have a training session. The games are coming thick and fast. There's very little time for rest." Tinkler was impressed with the turnout at the airport but called on fans to come out in their numbers for all their matches.
"We are happy that the fans came out here but they need to come to the stadium when we play against Zamalek. We need their support."
Pirates face Zamalek, the five-time Champions League winners, at Mbombela Stadium on July 11 and Tinkler will be well prepared, just as he was for the Leopards match.
"I have a few videos of Zamalek, so I will study the opposition and obviously we will start to work ahead of that game," he said.
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