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Pirates are showing character in the competition, most recently beating AC Leopards 1-0 on a poor pitch in their Group B opener in Dolisie, Republic of Congo on the weekend.
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"I am proud of the boys," Tinkler says.
"It was not an easy place to go and win there. We prepared and planned to win the game, we met that objective. I told the media before that we were happy to come away with one point but we came with three.
"It was vitally important to start the competition well, which we have done."
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Meanwhile, Tinkler feels it is important that his charges were given a day off to recuperate from a taxing assignment.
"The rest is important to rest psychologically and mentally. It was a long trip, five days with a five-hour bus drive under difficult conditions.
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"It's vitally important that the players get away for a day just to clear their minds.
"We as the technical team, we would like to do the same but unfortunately we have to continue and be at work.
"The pre-season has started, we need to continue."
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