Speaking after his side's last-gasp 2-1 win over AmaZulu last Friday, Tinkler was asked about the national team ahead of their all-important final Africa Cup of Nations qualifier.
"It's a massive match, obviously we want to see them in the Afcon. [Stuart] Baxter is in a similar situation as mine, they have to win," he said.
Tinkler, who was part of the last Bafana Bafana team that won a major trophy in 1996, was asked if he feels the current team has let the country down.
"If you ask about performances, they should've done better, yes they've let us down, but I don't think it's simple. Look, there's many factors behind our challenges," he replied.
"We can't be calling ourselves the best league in Africa when our national team can't compete in big tournaments, we need to qualify for Afcon. I also hope the recent performances by our junior sides can inspire Bafana Bafana to make us proud again."
Tinkler also said even though the Team of Choice are fighting to avoid relegation, if Baxter calls up his players, he will definitely release them.
"Players have aspirations and being in the national team helps to move them one step closer to achieving that, so as Maritzburg United we will release players to be part of the team," he confirmed.