Relief for Eric Tinkler as CT City confirm top eight spot

The Citizens seem to have finally turned around the corner when they needed points the most having initially failed to win their first 10 games in the second half of the season, forcing them to slip down the DStv Premiership table.

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Tinkler was relieved with only their second victory since December last year when they thrashed Richards Bay 3-1 on Saturday afternoon.

''We made it very difficult for ourselves, you know we scored that early goal and we needed to control and manage the game better. We kept giving away position, we looked like we were panicking. I spoke to the players at half-time, that they need to express themselves and play with control,'' said Tinkler.

It will be comforting for Tinkler knowing his side go into their final match away to champions Mamelodi Sundowns not desperate for points.

The coach says their numbers will be limited for that fixture.

''It's going to be a tough match away. Some of our players will not be available, we had 8 DDC players in the squad today, looks like I have to add more,'' added Tinkler.

City could be facing a Sundowns team that might still be unbeaten should they avoid losing against TS Galaxy on Tuesday night.

Tinkler is relishing the moment.

''It is what it is, we are just going to have to keep fighting. You know I like throwing in youngsters, no pressure, it's obviously a learning curve for them,'' he concluded.

The former Bafana Bafana midfielder says giving Sundowns the guard of honour and then watching them lift the league title will be a painful experience.