Cape Town City FC has confirmed that Eric Tinkler will return to take charge of the Blue and Gold Army with immediate effect.
The 50-year-old Tinkler, who helped Bafana Bafana to a maiden African Cup of Nations trophy in 1996, has signed a four-year deal. The Citizens announced his return earlier this morning and confirmed that his first- and most important job is securing a top 8 finish in their DStv Premiership campaign.
Tinkler is home 🏟 #iamCityFC pic.twitter.com/08nMg1LXv5
— Cape Town City FC (@CapeTownCityFC) May 24, 2021
Tinkler steps back into the role of Head Coach after the club decided to part ways with Jan Olde Riekerink. The 58-year-old Reikerink joined the club in 2019 from the Dutch Eredivisie side, SC Heerenveen. On Friday, Reikerink and Cape Town City announced that they came to a “mutual agreement “to part ways.
The Dutchman was placed on administrative leave following a slew of bad results. They were first trashed by 5-1 Benni McCarthy’s Amazulu, followed by a 1-0 defeat to TS Galaxy. The defeat to the Rockets ended their hopes for a top-three finish.
Tinkler first joined Cape Town City from Orlando Pirates in 2016 but moved to SuperSport United soon after. He then spent some time at Chippa United, followed by a move to Maritzburg United. Tinkler was sacked by the Team of Choice in November last year following what Maritzburg Chairman Farook Kadodia described as “an extremely disappointing start to the season”.
The Bafana Bafana legend spent just one season at each club since his 3-year stint with the Sea Robbers.
Only two matches remain for Cape Town City this season. Next week, they will take to the field Wednesday, 2 June, playing host to Black Leopards. The Citizens will wrap up their season at Loftus on Saturday, 5 June, and will try to spoil Mamelodi Sundowns party. Sundowns currently lead the pack atop the DStv Premiership table by 7-points going into the final two matches.
Picture – Cape Town City FC Twitter
