Cape Town City FC head coach Eric Tinkler pictured at a press conference. FILE - Cape Town City FC head coach Eric Tinkler says he doesn't need to do much to motivate his players. Picture: Phando Jikelo / Independent Newspapers
Cape Town City FC head coach Eric Tinkler says he doesn't need to do much to motivate his players as his side prepares to face Orlando Pirates in the first leg of the MTN8 semi-finals on Tuesday at the Cape Town Stadium.
Tinkler says his players are fully aware of the Buccaneers’ quality and red-hot form, and will head into the game with lots of self-motivation.
"The players are obviously aware of the qualities that Pirates possess. They are aware of the status in our country in terms of Orlando Pirates, so they go into this game with lots of self-motivation already. I don’t need to motivate them," said Tinkler.
Sights set on Tuesday 🫡 pic.twitter.com/ytNAh8tHpY
— Cape Town City FC (@CapeTownCityFC) August 24, 2024
Tinkler stated that his team will attempt to sway the crowd against the Soweto giants, who are anticipated to have significant support despite playing as the visiting team in the Mother City.
“That’s the key factor ... it’s all about us getting the game plan right and I think that’s important against Pirates,” said Tinkler.
“We must frustrate them, because we know here in South Africa we have fickle crowds who turn on our teams very, very quickly. That has to be our purpose, make it difficult against them, turn the crowd against them and we stand an even greater chance,” added Tinkler.
The Citizens advanced to the semi-finals of the competition after defeating Sekhukhune United 1-0 at the Peter Mokaba Stadium.
Orlando Pirates, on the other hand, booked their tickets to the semi-finals after thrashing SuperSport United 3-1 at the Orlando Stadium.
IOL Sport