Race is between Chiefs, Downs - Tinkler

ORLANDO Pirates caretaker coach Eric Tinkler did not want to get drawn into Absa Premiership title talk this week after leaders Kaizer Chiefs dropped more points.

Pirates are 15 points behind Amakhosi with a game in hand and should the leaders continue to stutter, Bucs could enter the title race which currently features Chiefs, Mamelodi Sundowns and Bidvest Wits.

Pirates, who have not lost a league game since the 2-0 defeat to Chiefs on December 6, have come out in 2015 with renewed vigour, collecting maximum points in their two away matches against Platinum Stars and AmaZulu.

They face tricky Polokwane City at Orlando Stadium next.

Tinkler's men will not be involved in any action this weekend after playing in the Nedbank Cup on Wednesday, which gives them ample time to prepare for the clash against City next weekend.

"I do not focus on that [Chiefs dropping points]," Tinkler said. "The fact that they lose games aids us, but it's not going to help if we lose games.

"But Sundowns stand a greater chance and Wits are also there. Truth be told, it's not in our hands."

Pirates cruised to a 4-0 victory on Wednesday against ABC Motsepe League side Tornado FC as their Nedbank Cup title defence got off to a perfect start.

Lennox Bacela opened the scoring before Thandani Ntshumayelo netted in either half. Sifiso Myeni completed the rout four minutes from time with the fourth against 10-man Tornado.

"This was always going to be a difficult game to play. To get the players motivated for a team they do not know is not easy. I told the players I wished Tornado was playing in a gold and black jersey and it would have been much easier for me to motivate them," said Tinkler.

"We put them under pressure and we got the early goals. After that I was not entirely happy with the last quarter of the first half because we took the foot off the pedal."