Eric Tinkler regrets late introduction of Luphumlo ‘Kaka’ Sifumba

The long-awaited debut for the 17-year-old finally came this past weekend, after showing plenty of promise in the junior ranks for both club and country.

Tinkler believes Sifumba has a bright future ahead of him.

"With regards to Sifumba today, I probably made a mistake, I should have brought him on earlier. Because I think in the little time that you saw on the ball, very comfortable, didn't give it away and I think he could have helped us. But you know, it's Pirates. We are under a lot of pressure through the middle there, so you worry. But I thought the youngster came in, showed good character, good confidence, good composure and has a bright future," he said.

Asked how they will ensure he gets enough protection from external factors, Tinkler highlighted the difficulty therein as it requires the player to also remain focused, especially away from the pitch.

"How do you control social media? How do I control it? It's impossible. Other than locking him in his room 24/7 and watching over him. What you got to have is a youngster that is grounded and he is a youngster that is grounded. Then obviously you make him aware of those situations but ultimately the one who's got to make those decisions is him," he added.

This season has seen a significant number of teenagers introduced and given game time at different clubs in the elite division, and Tinkler, who is no stranger to doing so previously at the now-defunct Bidvest Wits, advocates for this practice to become more common.

"I think if we identify talented youngsters, we look to give them an opportunity. I think I've done that in the past. This is not the first time that I've thrown in a youngster. I go back to my first season at Cape Town City, I gave Duncan Adonis his debut against league winners, Wits (Bidvest Wits). What you would notice with me is normally I throw them in the big games because there's no pressure," he concluded.