Cape Town City coach Eric Tinkler has revealed why he does not hesitate to throw youngsters into the fray against big PSL teams.
Eric Tinkler, an admirer of young talent, has shown himself unhesitant in handing young players their topflight debuts against giants of SA football such as Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs.
This was on display again as the CT City tactician gave teenage sensation Luphumlo “Kaka” Sifumba his first appearance in the DStv Premiership during the Citizens’ 2-1 defeat to Pirates at Orlando Stadium on Saturday.
The 17-year-old has been tipped to become the next big thing to emerge from the club’s conveyor belt of talent.
“With regards to Sifumba… I think in the little time that you saw on the ball [against Pirates], he was very comfortable and didn’t give it away,” said Tinkler.
“I think he could have helped us. But it’s Pirates, and we were under a lot of pressure through the middle, so you worry.
“But I thought the youngster came in and showed good character, good confidence, good composure. I think he has a bright future.”
TINKLER ON BLOODING YOUNGSTERS IN BIG GAMES
With concerns raised that blooding youngsters against big teams will put them under unnecessary pressure, Tinkler has explained why this is not the case.
The 2022/23 season has seen several teenagers being introduced to the big stage and getting time club at different Premiership clubs. Tinkler, a firm believer in youngsters, says this can only benefit SA football.
“If we identify talented youngsters, we look to give them the opportunity. I think I’ve done that in the past. This is not the first time that I’ve thrown in youngsters,” added Tinkler.
“I go back to my first season at Cape Town City. I gave Duncan Adonis his debut against league-winner, Wits. And what you would notice with me, normally I throw them in the big games because there’s no pressure.
“The expectation is ‘you’re probably going to lose’, people don’t expect you to win. It’s more difficult to throw them in the games like Marumo Gallants, Sekhukhune United, and Chippa United; in these games, the expectation is you must win. So you adding pressure on the youngsters.
“I prefer to throw them in these games. Jayden Rhodes, I gave him his debut against Kaizer Chiefs and Taahir Goedeman, I gave his debut against Orlando Pirates.
“I do that, and I think that’s the best opportunity because we lose, it doesn’t really affect the youngster, no one’s going to blame him for the loss.”
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