However, snl24.com/kickoff’s Chad Klate argues why it would be unwise for club chairman Irvin Khoza to sack the former Bafana Bafana midfielder.
One thing which I cannot dispute is that Pirates were vastly outplayed by a Bloemfontein Celtic outfit which featured as much as nine changes to their most recent line-up which drew 1-1 at home to Platinum Stars.
On the other hand, Tinkler had opted for his strongest line-up as he made just three changes – one of which was to protect their only CAF-registered goalkeeper in Felipe Ovono, while Sifiso Myeni got a much-needed break and Thamsanqa Gabuza was left out of the squad.
Bucs’ recent run of form has not helped Tinkler’s case as they’ve now suffered three defeats in their last four domestic outings, while also being eliminated in the MTN8 quarterfinals by Ajax Cape Town.
Pirates form in their last 15 competitive (PSL and CAF) matches: LWWLWLWLWWWDDWW
While their CAF Confederation Cup run this year has been nothing short of exceptional, winning six of their last seven continental outings, this has done little to inspire a domestic resurgence after ending the 2014/15 PSL season without any silverware.
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The Ghost may feel underwhelmed at the start their beloved team has endured in 2015/16, especially having to deal with chirps from their ‘noisy neighbours’ who boast last season’s success as well as their chance at defending their MTN 8 title.
However, it is still too early to hit the panic button.
Considering Pirates have once again put virtually their heart and soul into their African quest this year, Tinkler’s sacking would bring major instability into the squad as they head into the final stretch of the Confederation Cup, with five games to go before the winners are decided.
Some may argue that the continental crown’s prize of $625 000 (R8.1-million) is worth less due to the travelling, but The Iron Duke has long set his sights on a “second star”, while they could become the first South African team to lift the Confederations Cup since it’s inception in 2004.
Yes, Bucs are currently in 12th position after just three points from three Absa Premiership matches, but they are still only two points behind archrivals Chiefs, who haven’t had nearly as good a start as last season, and four points away from log leaders Mpumalanga Black Aces.
Pitrates’ next three league fixtures see them hosting Aces before going on the road to Polokwane City and a struggling Free State Stars, which could surely bring some momentum to their title chase.
If Tinkler were to vacate his position as coach, just 35 matches after taking over from Vladimir Vermezovic, it would take a new coach at least a month to find his feet with the players, while being unable to tweak his squad as the transfer window closes on Monday.
A title challenge would then be unlikely, while the upcoming Telkom Knockout would also be too soon to aim at, not to mention the Confederation Cup.