Clive Barker loves Eric Tinkler like a son, but the veteran coach has revealed he was not always convinced that his former Bafana Bafana player had the qualities to be a top coach.

Barker's mind, to no surprise, has changed over the last year or so and he is now convinced that Tinkler, who has guided Orlando Pirates to next month's CAF Confederation Cup final, will go on to coach Bafana in future.

Tinkler was a key component in Barker's 1996 Africa Cup of Nations winning squad and the 46-year-old has taken the experience he gained while playing on the continent with Bafana to his coaching career.

Pirates have lost just twice in the Confederation Cup, and have scored in every match in the competition, in which Tinkler has given the likes of Thabo Rakhale, Thamsanqa Gabuza and Menzi Masuku a chance to shine.

"From the players I had, I thought he was least likely to be a coach," Barker grinned when he started talking about the Bucs coach.

"I don't know, I just thought he did not have the qualities of a good coach, but he has showed us all that he is. He will eventually go on and coach the national team."

Barker added: "He's my son and I am delighted for his success and I am very proud. He's been up there (during his playing career) and he was a fighter. If there was anyone you would take to war it would be Linda Buthelezi and Eric Tinkler. I am delighted that Eric fulfilled his potential as a player and he is doing that now as a coach."

Barker is confident Pirates, who beat Egyptian giants and outgoing champions Al Ahly 5-3 on aggregate in the semifinal, can win the competition.

"I think Pirates will bring the trophy back, I have a good feeling about that. They did it in 1995 and they can do it again. It will be good for South African football."