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Tinkler ready to face “harsh reality” after poor start

Cape Town City coach Eric Tinkler has admitted he is under pressure but insists he won’t be pressing panic buttons after a winless start.

City, who outdid themselves last season,  are yet to win a game this season after three outings. All three encounters have ended in straight losses for the Western Cape side.

Defending champions Mamelodi Sundowns, Swallows FC and AmaZulu FC have taken turns to beat them since the start of the season.

The poor start has seen them perched at the bottom of the table, a scenario that puts Tinkler under immense pressure as they look to challenge for top four and even for trophies.

Following a 2-1 loss to Usuthu, the former Orlando Pirates coach felt his men could have managed the game better after scoring first.

“Disappointing, because we let ourselves down in terms of defensive play again, we started well and had certain dominance but there were stages that we failed to deal with, and they punished us and that’s how we conceded.

“I think we need to know better on how we can control the game better and deal with their three strikers,” he told the media.

He was referring to the trio of Gabadinho Mhango, Augustine Kwem and Bonginkosi Ntuli, who contributed in getting an equaliser.

With three losses and facing injuries in their squad, Tinkler is aware he will be judged based on results. He is hoping against Maritzburg United they can bounce back as he feels one win can change lot of things.

“We get judged by the results, the fact of the matter we’ve lost three games in a row. As coaches we have to take it all and face harsh reality that we get judged based on results.

“[It’s] not about what happened in the last game, whether it may be referees decisions or injuries you may face that’s harsh reality”.

“As coaches we expected to win, I have not changed. I’m still the hard-working person “So yeah, the pressure is there, it’s very important that we get those wins as soon as possible.

“That’s extremely important, things can change so quick, one win or two wins can really do a lot for us.”

He will be hoping to welcome back Bafana Bafana defender Terrence Mashego who has since recovered from a knee injury.

Lebogang Manyama is also nursing a knee injury and looks set to join the team once he regains fitness.

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