Cape Town City FC coach Eric Tinkler has identified an element Haashim Domingo could be lacking following his return to the Betway Premiership.
Tinkler further outlined his plans to unlock Domingo’s full potential and elevate the attacker’s performance to new heights.
Domingo joined the Citizens ahead of the 2024/25 season after he left Moroccan giants Raja Casablanca due to a breach of contract. The highly-rated midfielder, known for his exceptional skills and creativity, is expected to be a key player for CT City in the current season.
Despite showing flashes of brilliance, Domingo, who has featured in over 110 games in the PSL for Mamelodi Sundowns and Bidvest Wits, has yet to consistently deliver at his peak level.
While he has contributed two assists in nine appearances in CT City colours, Tinkler believes there’s more to come from the 29-year-old.
The experienced coach said he aims to rekindle Domingo’s passion for the game and enhance his finishing abilities. By focusing on these areas, Tinkler hopes to get the best out of Domingo, who first cut his teeth at Ajax Cape Town [now known as Cape Town Spurs] and went on to play overseas for teams such as Portuguese outfit Vitória Guimarães SC B.
“I think [I need to] continue believing in him,” said Tinkler. “An example I can give you is Mark van Heerden when I signed him [at CT City]”, said Tinkler.
“Mark van Heerden came in, and I gave a lot of belief to him, and within the space of 2-3 months, he came to me, and he said to me, ‘Coach, you’ve given me the love of football back’.
WHAT ERIC TINKLER THINKS HAASHIM DOMINGO COULD BE LACKING
“Maybe that’s what he’s lacking, the love of football, you know. But I see improvements from Haashim, day by day. He knows where his weaknesses are. Like you said, he’s finishing. I think that’s one part of his game he needs to improve on. We know what he’s capable of in small spaces, tight spaces. We know that he can play that killer pass, but can he also score goals?
Tinker added: “You know, any player that wants to make it at the highest level, especially when you’re an offensive player, it’s not only about assists, it is also about goals, and then that’s one side of his game that is lacking.
“But I think he needs to love the game again. And I’m slowly starting to see that because he’s getting a lot of support from me and his teammates.”
Tinkler will be looking to Domingo to spearhead CT City’s attack when they face Richards Bay FC in the Carling Knockout Cup quarter-finals.
The Cup tie will be staged on Saturday, November 2nd, at the King Zwelithini Stadium in KwaZulu-Natal with a spot in the semi-finals up for grabs.
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