Orlando Pirates coach Eric Tinkler has injected a feeling of optimism into the club and we as the fans certainly get the impression that he has what it takes to steer the ships in the right direction.
Reflecting on both halves of the Absa Premiership season, a huge contrast can be made in terms of the confidence in players and performance levels.
Under former coach Vladimir Vermezovic, it seemed as if his stern and iron-fist like approach quickly affected the players in a negative way. Upon his resignation, it can easily be said that the atmosphere in the dressing room was not conducive to unity.
To some extent VV restricted his more creative players to express themselves on the pitch. Names like Khethokwakhe Masuku and Sifiso Myeni were not given the freedom they need to be at their creative best.
Tinkler, however, got it right where VV got it all wrong. The players look much happier and when 2-0 or 3-0 up, the tricks and flicks tends to pop up for the spectators to enjoy. This then showed in the results as we started winning more games - and convincingly at that.
I feel that if Tinkler is given a project over a set period of time, he could build a formidable squad of his own. We have seen Tinkler take the interim coach position too many times, with him doing well during those spells.
There is no doubt that the man is on the right track, I can only but hope he gets the job on a long-term basis!
Should Bucs management trust in Tinkler with building his own squad?
