Eric Tinkler opens up about his affection for Cape Town City

Eric Tinkler, head coach of Sekhukhune United is interviewed before the Betway Premiership 2024/25 game between Cape Town City and Sekhukhune United at Cape Town Stadium on 6 April 2025 © Ryan Wilkisky/BackpagePix

Despite parting ways with Cape Town City, Eric Tinkler has expressed his concern over the club’s current struggles in the Betway Premiership.

City, who are hovering just above the relegation zone, find themselves in 14th place on the league table with only 24 points from 25 matches. Their recent form has sparked fears of a potential drop from the top flight

Now in charge of high-flying Sekhukhune United, Tinkler returned to the Cape Town Stadium last weekend and guided Babina Noko to a 2-1 win over his former side – a result that deepened City’s woes

“Obviously, I have an affection for all the clubs I’ve coached because of the relationships I’ve built and the people I’ve met,” Tinkler told FarPost.

“Many of those people have become good friends. But matchday is about competition and the desire to win, and that was the case against Cape Town City.

Tinkler admitted he takes no pleasure in seeing his former team struggle.

“Do I want to see Cape Town City in this predicament? No, I don’t. It’s a great football club and the PSL would be poorer without them.”

Tinkler was shown the door by City following a run of poor results but has since found success with Sekhukhune, who currently sit third on the log with 37 points from 23 matches.