Tinkler Aims To Beat Petro In The First Leg

Cape Town City coach Eric Tinkler aims to repeat the trick against AS Otoho in the previous round by punishing Petro de Luanda in the CAF Champions League second preliminary round at DHL Stadium on Saturday (17:30).

City beat AS Otoho 2-0 at home in the first leg of the preliminary round before getting a goalless draw to go through.

However, Tinkler is aware that Petro will not make it easy for this side because they are experienced in this competition, while City is making their debut.

Petro, who have four Brazilian players in their side, reached the Champions League semi-finals last season, only to lose to eventual winners Wydad Casablanca.

The Angolan side reached the semis at the expense of Mamelodi Sundowns, after they dumped the Tshwane giants 3-2 on aggregate in the quarter-finals.

They also reached this season’s stage of second preliminary with a stroll, defeating Black Bulls Maputo of Mozambique 5-1 in the first preliminary round.

 “If we can do what we did against Otoho, that will be fantastic,” said Tinkler to the iDiski Times.

“We have to take a two-goal lead there and if we get something on that side, it helps you. It is important to make sure that we keep a clean sheet.”

Tinkler will count on his own experience in this competition, as he was the assistant coach of Roger de Sa when Orlando Pirates reached the final in 2013, where they lost to Egyptians giants Al Ahly.

He will also count on Mpho Makola for this game, as he was with him in that final nine years ago.

“Mpho Makola was with me at that time at Orlando Pirates and a lot of what I say he conquers,” said Tinkler who also reached two CAF Confed Cup finals, with the first in the 2015 as solo coach at Pirates and also with SuperSport United in 2017.

“He helped us especially with a trip to Congo. Knowing Petro, it won’t be different. Now they (my players) have experienced what happened in Congo. I think they will be more mentally prepared for that challenge.”

Unfortunately, Tinkler, just like it was against Otoho, won’t be on the bench against Petro because he doesn’t have a CAF A or Pro license to sit in the dugout. Tinkler has a UEFA A license, but it is not enough for him to sit on the bench.

CAF changed rules ahead of this season that coaches, who are born in Africa, will only be eligible to sit on the bench in the Champions League or Confed Cup if they have a CAF A or Pro license.

Those born outside of this continent are required to have a UEFA Pro license.

In this edition of iDiski Times, we talk to Kaizer Chiefs captain Itumeleng Khune about his comeback with the glamour boys, his weight loss journey and plea to support Arthur Zwane. We also chat to Lyle Lakay after his Deadline Day loan from Mamelodi Sundowns to Cape Town City, while former Orlando Pirates skipper Lucky Lekgwathi assesses the Buccaneers transfer window. In the rumour mill we heard whispers about Kaizer Chiefs parting ways with Nike after 21 years and Daniel Akpeyi being considered by Chippa United. We also speak to Eric Tinkler ahead of his side’s CAF Champions League clash with Petro de Luanda. Read the full edition of iDiski Times below: