Tinkler defiant as SuperSport slump again

Matsatsantsa have now won just one of their last 12 league games, in a dreadful run that has seen the Tshwane side slip into a position where they are just four points clear of the relegation zone.

“I am not going to create any miracles. I am a person who has a lot of belief in my ability. I am a hard worker. I have never given up on challenges in my life and I don’t plan to start now,” said Tinkler.

“We are in this situation and we can get ourselves out, nobody is going to help us. The only way we can do that is by lifting ourselves and motivating ourselves to come and perform for the next game and every game from now is going to be a fight,” he added.

READ: Wits thump struggling SuperSport

Matsatsantsa fans were clearly unhappy with the result and vented their frustrations at the Lucas Moripe Stadium, seemingly calling for Tinkler’s dismissal. However, the brave-faced former Orlando Pirates coach is not surprised by the fans’ irritation.

“It is only normal and I would feel the same way. Fans must understand we feel just as bad if not worse. We are professional sportsmen, we don’t like losing but it is part and parcel of the game and I can’t blame them (the fans) for feeling that way.”

As is often said, one man’s fall sees the rise of another. Wits are finally starting to play like champions, although successfully defending the title at this point looks close to impossible.

Wits have collected 10 points from their last four games, including two victories over SuperSport, but Saturday’s win still only served to move them level on points with SuperSport.

“We have big hurdles still to come. Everyone still has at least 11 games left and we have the Caf Champions League and the Nedbank Cup. We won three trophies in 15 months and now we are close to the bottom of the league. It is a bit of shock, but it looks like we have woken up a little bit now, although there is still a long way to go,” said Wits coach Gavin Hunt.