Eric Tinkler is set to return to the Betway Premiership with Durban City FC after leaving Ghanaian giants Asante Kotoko. The former Cape Town City FC coach is expected to take charge in Durban this week, following Khalil Ben Youssef’s departure on Saturday, as iDiski Times first reported.
Kotoko confirmed on Monday that they had agreed to release Tinkler from his contract with immediate effect at his request, citing personal reasons. His spell in Ghana lasted little more than two months.
Tinkler was on the bench for Sunday’s 2-0 defeat to Aduana Stars, Kotoko’s first league loss in four matches this season. He had already guided the club to the Democracy Cup.
Durban City’s search for a coach began after they dismissed Ben Youssef three months into his tenure. The Tunisian collected seven points from seven league matches, with one win, four draws and two defeats. His side also advanced to the second preliminary round of the CAF Confederation Cup after beating Burundi’s Rukinzo FC 3-1 on aggregate.
Tinkler, who left Sekhukhune United at the end of last season, would inherit a side competing on both domestic and continental fronts.
TINKLER TO WORK WITH NYATAMA
Musa Nyatama is expected to take temporary charge of the team pending Tinkler’s arrival. He joined the club during the pre-season, reportedly at the recommendation of Ben Youssef, who was on a one-year contract with an option for a further two seasons.
Nyatama will remain at the club to assist the 56-year-old coach who has had stints with Orlando Pirates, Chippa United, Maritzburg United and SuperSport United.
Tinkler will have at least two weeks to get his team ready for their next league and continental assignment. They return to action on 13 October when they face third-placed AmaZulu FC in a KwaZulu-Natal derby. A few days after that match, they host Mauritius side AS Port-Louis 2000 in the second qualifying round of the CAF Confederation Cup.
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