It is no longer news that a new face will be at the helm in the coming season for Cape Town City FC. This much has been evident since the team parted ways with its coach. What is news is the return of one who is no stranger to the club.
Sources indicated that Eric Tinkler was set to return to manage the team in their last two games of the season. Those rumours have, however, been confirmed by the club as they announced on their social media channels that Tinkler had signed a four-year contract.
The club had last week on its Twitter handle confirmed that they’d parted ways with coach Jan Olde Riekerink. This was after they had put him on administrative leave early in the month.
With everything now sorted out, Tinkler will be making a return to the club he first took charge of when John Comitis bought the franchise in 2016. Much will be expected of Tinkler on his second coming.
The former Bafana Bafana 1996 Africa Cup of Nations winner, who clinched the Telkom Knockout cup a few months after taking charge, had a fairly successful run in his stint at the club. He also guided the team to a third-place finish in the league, finishing five points behind winners Bidwest Wits.
“This has always been one of my favourite stadiums. I was part of the beginnings of the club in its first season and it ended up being a fantastic season. That will always stay in my memory for a very long time,” Tinkler said in a short video message.
“Now, obviously, the task has to be greater.”
Tinkler has also managed other sides amongst which are Orlando Pirates, and a year stint at Supersport United. He also had a spell at Chippa United before briefly managing Maritzburg United before signing up for a second stint at Cape Town City.
It continues the trend of many PSL sides making their moves quickly, regarding managerial appointments and all as clubs are already looking forward to next season. Eric Tinkler is a familiar name at the club and he is expected to settle right in straight away without any difficulty.