Tinkler next targets scalp of ‘fatigued’ Downs

Share current article via EmailShare current article via FacebookShare current article via TwitterShare current article via LinkedInNeville KhozaSports journalist

Opens in new windowOpens in new windowOpens in new windowOpens in new windowEnter fullscreen mode displaying this image.ExpandDisappointed Mamelodi Sundowns after they were knocked out of the Champions League by Wiliete SC of Angola. Picture: Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix Following Mamelodi Sundowns shock exit from the CAF Champions League last week, Durban City coach Eric Tinkler has pointed out the fatigue factor as one of the reasons for their failure to progress to the group stages.

Tinkler has frequently highlighted that Sundowns face an increasingly difficult challenge due to their demanding schedule every year.

“I think for all of us, it was a surprise that Sundowns didn’t qualify. I expected them to qualify because of the quality that they have,” Tinkler said.

“But obviously, it takes a lot of other questions about what the reasons were and like I said, the modern game has changed. The number of competitions that exist and the number of games that players play, it is a lot.

“Somewhere along the lines there will be fatigue and I think it has creeped in at Sundowns because they have been successful for many years.”

With Durban having qualified for the Confederation Cup group phase in Group B alongside, AS FAR (Morocco), Azam (Tanzania) and Al Ahli Tripoli (Libya), Tinkler said they are looking forward to testing themselves.

“It’s going to be tough for all four groups, but that’s where you want to be, that’s where you want to compare yourself to others. Playing in these competitions, Champions League, CAF Confederation Cup and going game-by-game with a winning mentality home and away,” he said.

Durban will visit Sundowns at Royal Bafokeng Stadium on Saturday at 8.15pm in a league match, and Tinkler said they are going all out for a win.

“We’ve to go there and collect points. That’s always been my mentality and I don’t go to play against teams sitting and playing the low block and hope to catch them on the counter, that’s not how I play.

“It doesn’t matter who it is, Sundowns with the quality they have, yes, fantastic. But we will go there to play our brand of football and compete and to win. So, I’ve beaten them before and I lost to them before, so I will lose to them again and I will also beat them. I go with that mind-set.”

Friday: Gallants v Siwelele, Royal Bafokeng (7.30pm).

Saturday: Pirates v Chiefs, FNB (3.30pm); Milford v Sekhukhune, Sugar Ray Xulu (3.30pm); Stellenbosch v Chippa, Danie Craven (6pm); AmaZulu v Arrows, Princess Magogo (6pm); Polokwane v Galaxy, Old Peter Mokaba (6pm); Kruger v Bay, Mbombela (8.15pm); Sundowns v Durban, Royal Bafokeng (8.15pm).

Would you like to comment on this article?Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.

Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.