Tinkler happy to get it right

Orlando Pirates coach Eric Tinkler. Picture Credit: Gallo Images
Orlando Pirates coach Eric Tinkler. Picture Credit: Gallo Images

Orlando Pirates have been on the wrong end of so many dominant matches that they deserved to have won, according to coach Eric Tinkler after his side's 2-0 Nedbank Cup first round victory against Kaizer Chiefs.

He believes his team did not have control of the game in the early stages but went on to win it anyway.

Pirates had less possession and territory in the Soweto derby at FNB Stadium on Saturday, but they always looked the more dangerous team in the final third. Bucs used this to their advantage through a brace from striker Tendai Ndoro.

"Chiefs had a lot of possession. We struggled with the marking. Our passing was poor, and they were stealing the ball off us easily," Tinkler said afterwards.

"And I felt with the first goal that Tendai scored, the momentum switched. They needed to take more risks, and we looked a lot better on the ball.

"But it was a very tough game that could have gone either way.

"We've been on the wrong side of many games, dominating possession and chances, and losing them. But where we tended to dominate in this game was in terms of the opportunities created, and shots on target."

Saturday's victory kept Pirates' trophy chances alive in 2015-16. Perhaps more importantly, Bucs are on somewhat of a roll finally after a torrid season.

Pirates reached the CAF Confederation Cup final in December. The effort of competing on the continent took its toll on Bucs' domestic form, and they sagged to 12th place in the PSL at one stage.

The Buccaneers have had a good two weeks though. Successive league wins against Mpumalanga Black Aces and Bloemfontein Celtic have seen Pirates in seventh on the log. And they are now into the Nedbank last-16 with a satisfying victory against their arch-rivals.

"I'm very happy with the result we've achieved against Chiefs. But more important we want to win trophies. That's why I became a coach, and why I'm the coach of Orlando Pirates," Tinkler said.

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