Most fans have blamed the coach for the team’s struggles this season, but Tinkler has chosen to stubbornly hold onto his belief that that he can still bring smiles to the faces of The Ghost.
For all the noise and criticism, the former Bafana Bafana hardman is aware that to get people off his back he needs to win matches on a consistent basis, starting with tomorrow’s Soweto Derby.
“I have always thrived because my whole career has been under pressure,” says Tinkler.
“I played in Europe for 16 years. In that time I was relegated on three occasions and every time I was called up for Bafana Bafana I was questioned as to why I was being called up. I have lived with all that pressure all my life so I don’t feel that pressure.
“I have stated this before that I have a huge belief in myself and a huge belief in the squad and I still believe that we can turn our results around.”
Tinkler says he is willing to take responsibility for the team’s struggles, and reveals that he has actually not met any of the social media discourteous behaviour from the followers he has actually met in public spaces.
“The blame should always be on me and will always be on us as coaches,” he adds. “Funny enough, the response I have had out on the streets has actually been highly motivating. The type of response that I have been getting from people I meet on the streets compared to what the social media talks about is completely different.”
Tinkler got public backing from Pirates boss Dr Irvin Khoza this week – something he is very grateful for.
“Obviously I am very happy that the chairman has done that, but then I am under no illusion because I have a task to complete and I have to do it to the best of my ability.
“Like I have said before, I will continue doing my job while I believe that I am doing the right thing and I am still highly motivated, players still back me and we will turn it around.”