Eric Tinkler has revealed his delight at how the fresh faces are adapting to his philosophy
Cape Town City coach Eric Tinkler is delighted by the output of his new recruits so far and hopes they quickly adapt to his philosophy.
The Citizens have been one of the busiest teams in the transfer market, bringing in the likes of Alifeyo Sibusiso, Haashim Domingo, Prins Tjiueza, Lefa Aphane, Elson Sithole, Fortune Makaringe, Kayden Francis, Kamohelo Mokotjo, Carlos do Carmo and Ntsikelelo Ngqonga.
Mokotjo, Makaringe, Domingo and Francis were part of the starting XI in Cape Town City’s 1-0 victory against Sekhukhune United in the MTN8 quarter-final on Saturday and Tinkler is happy with what he has seen so far.
Has the Cape Town coach had to tinker with his squad?
“I was very impressed with all of them. It’s not easy for players to come into a new club and new coach with a new philosophy, new playing style and new system. Some of them never played in the system that we play,” said Tinkler, as quoted by FARPost.
“So, for them to have adapted this quick as they have is something good. As I said, there were some of the negatives. But that was collective, not individual.
“Overall, I was happy with everybody’s performance. But I think tactically, there is still work that needs to be done in terms of the approach. Remember when we scout these guys, obviously, we scout them, and I always ask this question beforehand: ‘Have you had to adopt your system?’ because of the players.
Tinkler hopes all new players adapt to his philosophy
“No coach should be adapting his system for the players. It’s the players who you bring in that have to adapt to the system you have installed in that regard. I think that is an important factor. We can’t be changing the way we play because of one player. That should never happen.”
Tinkler will hope that his new players will have adopted his philosophy by the time Cape Town face Orlando Pirates in the MTN8 semi-final while PSL action is also on the horizon.
