Michaelson Ntokozo Gumede

By Ntokozo Gumede

Journalist


Tinkler eager to coach Kaizer Chiefs

Eric Tinkler says he thinks Kaizer Chiefs will hire a foreign coach, but says he would take the job if it was offered to him.


Amakhosi have still not appointed a replacement for Steve Komphela, who resigned after Chiefs were beaten by Free State Stars in the semifinals of the Nedbank Cup, guaranteeing a third season without a trophy under the guidance of Komphela.

After Chiefs’ failure under Komphela, it does seem unlikely that Amakhosi chairman Kaizer Motaung would turn to another South African to lead Chiefs.

“There has been no contact from Chiefs and I am convinced that it would be a foreign coach,” Tinkler told Phakaaathi.

READ: Chiefs set to announce new coach soon

“Truth be told, who wouldn’t (want to coach Chiefs). I’ve never been approached, so that has not been in my thoughts, but if they come calling it would be stupid to turn them down. It wouldn’t be an easy job, but as a coach you would love to be in charge of Chiefs, we relish those opportunities.”

Tinkler, who has coached Orlando Pirates and Cape Town City, stepped down in March as head coach of SuperSport United, with the club in danger of relegation from the Premiership.

It started well for Tinkler at Matsatsantsa, as they won the MTN8 and reached the final of the Caf Confederation Cup, but from there, SuperSport fell apart.

Tinkler’s time away has at least enabled him to have more time with his family – he said he has not been able to go on holiday with his wife in over two decades.

“It was good to be with the family, and the last time I went on a family holiday … was 26 years ago. But now I’d like to get back into coaching,” he said.

Having reached the Confederation Cup final twice and with a couple of domestic knockout trophies in his cabinet, Tinkler has not been short of suitors, including a club in North Africa, which he “turned down because there was a language barrier”.

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