Cape Town City FC midfielder Luyolo Slatsha has revealed how coach Eric Tinkler has changed his game since his promotion to the senior team.
Slatsha, 21, was promoted to the first team in July 2023, and since then, he has worked hard to make his way into the matchday squad.
In the current DStv Premiership campaign, the talented central midfielder has featured in 15 games across all competitions for the Cape club.
Slatsha has described his relationship with his mentor as a match-up as Tinkler also played as a midfielder before.
HOW LUYOLO SLATSHA’S GAME HAS EVOLVED UNDER ERIC TINKLER
In an interview with FARPost recently, Slatsha stated how his game has evolved under the tutelage of Tinkler.
“I think he has changed my game by allowing me to believe in myself. Also allowing me to consistently go into those areas where I need to get the ball in order to progress the play,” Slatsha told this publication.
“He gives me that freedom to say, ‘You know what? ‘Lolo,’ We are playing a specific kind of football with high risks and high rewards, and you are bound to make mistakes when you are this brave.’
“So, he says, ‘ We understand that you are going to make those mistakes because this is the kind of football we want to play. After you make a mistake, lift your head up and keep going to the end goal because that’s how we want to play.’
Slatsha continued: “I think he’s really given me that confidence to say he has my back at all times.”
When Slatsha was asked how it feels to work under coach Tinkler, he said, “It’s something that you’re very grateful about because I can relate to his thinking as a midfielder as well.
“I also appreciate how he coaches because he doesn’t coach like a robot. He explains the framework and allows you to add your personality and everything into that framework.
“He’s a very balanced coach. He’s hard when he needs to be hard and also he allows you to be who you are when he needs you to be who you are.”
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