OFFICIAL: Cape Town City fire former Orlando Pirates coach Eric Tinkler ahead of Kaizer Chiefs clash

Cape Town City announced the departure of coach Eric Tinkler, 54, on Tuesday afternoon amid the team's poor form in the PSL.

The Citizens have lost three of their last four matches and they are placed 12th on the league standings - three points above the relegation zone.

Tinkler becomes the second head coach to part ways with a PSL club this week after Kwanele Kopo, who decided against renewing his contract with Chippa United.

The John Comitis-owned club issued the following statement regarding the Roodepoort-born mentor's dismissal.

"Cape Town City and head coach Eric Tinkler have mutually agreed to part ways," a club statement read.

"The club expresses gratitude towards Eric for the last three seasons where he presided over 2nd, 4th and 5th place finishes. We wish Eric the very best for the future.

"The club will announce a new interim coach as we build up to an exciting new project for the 25/26 season and beyond."

Tinkler was in his second stint with City having served as the club's head coach between 2016 and 2017. He rejoined The Citizens in 2021.

The former Orlando Pirates and SuperSport United mentor became the first City coach to win a major trophy in 2016 when he guided the team to the Telkom Knockout (Carling Knockout) title triumph.

Former Kaizer Chiefs star Lebogang Manyama and Diogo Peral are still part of City's technical team having served as Bafana Bafana legend Tinkler's assistants.

The 2018 MTN8 champions will soon announce an interim coach who will take charge of the team's upcoming matches.

Peral served as City's caretaker coach following Jan Olde Riekerink's departure in 2021. 

City's soon-to-be appointed interim coach will be hoping to hit the ground running with the team set to host Chiefs in a PSL clash on Sunday.

A victory over Amakhosi would see the Citizens move further away from the relegation zone.