Cape Town City coach Eric Tinkler has revealed what impressed him following his side’s 2-1 victory over Royal AM on Friday in a DStv Premiership clash.
Tinkler praised CT City’s psychology as his men snatched a late winner through Thabo Nodada to collect the maximum points on their first match post the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
On debut, Cameroon defender Bertrand Mani had opened the scoring in the 37 minute before Royal AM striker Ruzaigh Gamildien levelled matters a minute before the break.
ERIC TINKLER ON CT CITY’S PSYCHOLOGY
According to Tinkler, the win was psychologically crucial for the team.
“The win was extremely important for the psychology of the team,” said Tinkler.
“You go on that break; psychologically, you are down, you see where you are in the league, and you are out of the CAF competition [Champions League].
“How you also got out of the CAF competition is also ridiculous. It’s a huge disappointment, now it’s about lifting them up.
“It’s the hard part, trying to lift them and get ready for the game and believe that one game can change everything.
Tinkler further highlighted what happened last season that changed the team.
“What happened last season is the same thing, we got that one win, and psychologically, there was that switch,” he added.
“Everyone turned around had confidence on the ball, that self-belief, more collective belief and a lot more unity in the group.
“I’ve been seeing that over the past two weeks which has been positive and work ethic has been really good.
The victory lifted the Capetonians to ninth on the log standings, on par with Thwihli Thwahla. Both teams have accumulated 16 points from 13 outings.
Up next for CT City is a tricky home match on 3 January against red-hot SuperSport United, who are undefeated in four outings after registering three victories and one draw.
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