The veteran defender is expected to start in Lubumbashi and in the Pretoria second-leg as fellow defender Morgan Gould – who has been a pillar of strength at the heart of Matsatsantsa’s defence since rejoining the side last year – will be serving a two-match suspension.
Fortunately for Tinkler, he has the luxury of calling Mashamaite, who will hope to keep Mazembe’s frontline quiet throughout both encounters.
“We unfortunately don’t have Morgan, he will be suspended for both home and away,” lamented the former Orlando Pirates and Cape Town City mentor.
“But we have more than a reliable replacement for him which is good for us,” he said as he tapped the former Kaizer Chiefs and Bidvest Wits captain on his shoulder.
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