Cape Town City confirmed a top three finish in their maiden Premier Soccer League (PSL) campaign on Wednesday evening following their 1-0 win over Golden Arrows.
However, despite the Citizens’ success they are not resting on their laurels and coach Eric Tinkler has now set his sights on a possible Caf Champions League spot.
Although, City has been in impressive form, Tinkler is wary of the dangers that Polokwane City could pose in their final game of the season.
“We go into the game with the chance of finishing second‚ but it’s definitely going to be a tough match,” Tinkler told the media.
“Polokwane have had a fantastic season and have nothing to lose. They have also guaranteed themselves a top eight berth. I have been watching a lot of their games and even with the coach (Luc Eymael) leaving‚ they are still playing very good‚ very attractive football. (Jabu) Maluleke makes a huge difference in their squad,” Tinkler added.
Meanwhile, after challenging for the league title for most of the season, the former Bafana Bafana midfielder admits that he does wonder what could have been had they not slipped up against the likes of Bidvest Wits and Baroka.
“We sit back and look now and say‚ 'had we got the three points against them (Wits)‚ had we not lost to Baroka‚ then we could possibly have been talking now a different story', and taking it to the last game of the season and it being between them and us‚” Tinkler said.
“That’s the disappointing side‚ but I still go home with a big smile on my face to have a nice glass of red wine. That’s because I know that we have achieved something that no one would have expected‚ not even myself to be honest. In the back of your mind you are thinking‚ maybe we can win a cup and finish in the top eight, but winning the league or finishing in the top three... that wasn’t in the thought process to be honest,” Tinkler concluded.
