Eric Tinkler has been appointed head coach of Durban City FC, returning to the Premier Soccer League after a stint in Ghana. The former Sekhukhune United manager will take charge of a side currently competing in the CAF Confederation Cup, with his first match a Durban derby against AmaZulu on Tuesday.
Tinkler left Asante Kotoko last month and has now rejoined a club where he previously worked with owner Farouk Kadodia. His extensive PSL experience includes spells with Orlando Pirates, SuperSport United, Cape Town City, Sekhukhune United, and Maritzburg United, which has since rebranded as Durban City.
"I’m excited to be part of what is being built here at Durban City FC," Tinkler said. "The club is very ambitious. They have made positive strides in a short space of time, competing in the CAF Confederation Cup already, and that made my decision easy."
He added that he does not plan major changes after a successful previous season for the club. His immediate targets are a top-eight league finish and strong runs in the Carling Cup, Nedbank Cup, and continental competition. He will be looking to improve a side that has conceded an average of 1.5 goal minutes per game in the league this season.
The appointment shakes up the PSL landscape as Sekhukhune United, a club Tinkler knows well, currently sits sixth in the standings with 11 points from seven games. Their recent form has been mixed, with one win, two draws, and two losses in their last five outings.
Durban City owner Farouk Kadodia expressed confidence in the new appointment. "Eric brings a wealth of experience in South African football and understands what is required at this level," Kadodia said. "We believe he is the right person to lead the team and help us achieve what we have set out to achieve this season."
The coach takes over from Khalil Ben Youssef, who was dismissed early in the campaign. Tinkler's first test comes swiftly with the high-pressure derby at home to AmaZulu. Following that, Durban City's next fixture is away to Stellenbosch FC on Saturday, 19 October.
The original report is at Flashscore.co.za
