Eric Tinkler has thrown in the towel at SuperSport United following a string of poor results since taking over the coaching reins in July last year.
A statement from the club said Tinkler handed in his resignation and that the two parties have agreed to release the coach from his contract with immediate effect.
Read: Tinkler is now a Letsatsantsa
Tinkler joined the club following the departure of Stuart Baxter who was appointed head coach of Bafana Bafana. Matsatsantsa A Pitori as SuperSport is commonly known enjoyed immediate success under Tinkler, winning the MTN8 and reaching the Confederation of African Football (Caf) Confederation Cup final, but lost it to TP Mazembe of the Democratic Republic of Congo.
This is when the wheels started coming off as Matsatsantsa never woke up from that slumber. Baxter had bequeathed a well-oiled machine when he took over the reins from Gordon Ingesund and had transformed it into one of the most feared sides in the Absa Premiership.
Read: SuperSport United head coach, Stuart Baxter could be the next coach of Bafana Bafana
Since then, SuperSport United have not enjoyed much success, winning only three out of 18 league games, leaving them in 12th position and a possible candidate for relegation to the National First Division.
SuperSport assistant coach Kaitano Tembo will serve as caretaker coach until the end of the season.
“I have been in discussion with club management about the poor performance of the team for a while now,” said Tinkler. “In reflecting on the last few games, I have not been satisfied with the response out on the pitch. I believe we can turn things around but the only way of getting out of our current position is to have a fully unified and committed response from the players and I haven’t been able to get that from them, so it seems best for all parties that we part ways.
“I wish the club all the best and I am glad I could add to their trophy cabinet with the MTN8.”
SuperSport CEO Stan Matthews said, “We decided to accept Eric’s resignation today [2 March]. Clearly, the league results achieved have not been up to the standards we set for ourselves.
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“We have 17 consecutive top 8 finishes under our belt, so to be in the position we currently find ourselves is not easy to accept. We believe in the group of players we have, in their playing ability as well as their desire to fight for the club.
“We wish Eric well in the future and thank him for his contribution in adding the MTN8 trophy to our cabinet, during his short spell at the club.”
