The striker scored a brace in Pirates' 4-1 victory over AS Kaloum on Saturday at Bidvest Wits Stadium, adding to the goal he scored in the 2-0 win in Guinea.
Tinkler believes the player, who saw little action in the Absa Premiership this past season, will be influential as they look to progress further in Africa.
Pirates are in Group B of the Confederation Cup with AC Leopards, Zamalek and CS Sfaxien. Group A has pitted together Al Ahly, Esperance, Etoile du Sahel and Stade Malien.
Confed Cup Hub: All the news, fixtures, results and groups
“We knew that Gabuza will be an influential player come the CAF competitions,” Tinkler tells snl24.com/kickoff.
“Because of his size, his aggressiveness, these teams that we will play – particularly away from home – you need to harass them, you need to make it difficult for them, put them under pressure and let them feel the pressure from the strikers.
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“And that's something he is very good at doing. He is a very aggressive player, aerially he is very strong, very good in the air. He makes good runs behind defenders turning the defence.
“So we always knew that he will be able to do that job. He is also not one of those that will complain about the conditions, the field not being of a high standard.”
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Tinkler adds: “Gabuza plays the game because he loves the game. We always knew that he will be a huge asset for us come the CAF competitions.
“Particularly when we play away from home, his application has been fantastic and he has been rewarded both home and away.”