Cape Town City head coach Eric Tinkler admits he should have afforded teenager Luphumlo Sifumba more time on his DStv Premiership debut against Orlando Pirates.
The 17-year-old who’s been touted as one of the brightest prospects in African football earned his first minutes in senior football when he was introduced for Juan Zapata in the 84th minute of City’s 2-1 defeat to Pirates.
He immediately showcased his technical ability, completing all his passes, not losing possession, and having a shot on target from range which brought something different to the Citizens’ attack.
“With Sifumba, I probably made a mistake and should have brought him on earlier, because I think in the little time you saw, on the ball, very comfortable, didn’t give it away and I think he could have helped us,” Tinkler said at Orlando Stadium after the game.
“But it’s Pirates, we were under a lot of pressure through the middle there, so you worry, you know? But I thought the youngster came in and showed good character, showed good confidence, composure – I think he has a bright future, step, by step.”
While Tinkler acknowledged he has a massive future ahead of him, he stated he can’t be the one who guards him from the social ills that’s plagued some of the nation’s most precocious talents over the years.
“How do I control social ills? It’s impossible, other than locking him in his room 24/7 and watching over him,” Tinkler added.
“What you got to have is a youngster that is grounded and he is a youngster that is grounded but obviously you make him aware of those situations but ultimately the one making decisions is him, I can’t control him when he’s not with us.
“When he leaves training he is in control of himself and what happens out there is uncontrolled by us.”
