Eric Tinkler, the current Sekhukhune United head coach, has revealed his long-standing ambition to coach in Europe's top leagues, speaking in an exclusive interview with Soccer Laduma.
While several South African coaches have recently found success across Africa – including Egypt, Morocco, and Tanzania where Fadlu Davids is currently excelling – Tinkler has his sights set beyond the continent.
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The former Bafana Bafana midfielder, who enjoyed a successful playing career in Europe, shared his coaching aspirations with Soccer Laduma.
With the likes of Rulani Mokwena, Bradley Carnell, Pitso Mosimane and Davids working abroad in recent times, the Siya crew asked Tinkler, one of South Africa's most highly-rated coaches about his aims to coach outside the PSL.
"Yes, I would one day want to go and coach in a top league in Europe. It has always been my plan to go and coach in Europe. That's my dream. But you know, it's not always that a dream becomes a reality but I will work on it, that one day I can go to coach in Europe," Tinkler told Soccer Laduma.
But, what about coaching in other parts of Africa? More PSL legends are moving around Africa recently, even Benni McCarthy who's the Kenya national team mentor.
"No, I am not talking about North Africa, West Africa or Asia. I am talking about top leagues. That has been my plan since I started coaching," Tinkler underlined to Soccer Laduma.
The former Orlando Pirates coach acknowledged the significant challenges South African coaches face when attempting to make the leap to European football.
"As much as that's my dream and plan to go and coach in Europe, it's not easy for a coach to come from South Africa and go to coach in Europe. But you know, they say where there is a will, there is a way. I am not giving myself any time frame but that has been my plan and my dream," Tinkler added.
The 54-year-old Sekhukhune United mentor has been making waves domestically, recently being named the Betway Premiership Coach of the Month for April after leading his side to an impressive run of three wins and two draws during the month.
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Tinkler's European ambitions come at a time when his stock is rising in South African football. Under his guidance, Sekhukhune have emerged as one of the league's most organised teams in the past month, demonstrating tactical discipline and resilience.
With his wealth of experience both as a player in Europe and his coaching journey through various PSL clubs including Pirates, Cape Town City, and Maritzburg United, Tinkler possesses a unique perspective that could potentially translate to success abroad. While the path for South African coaches to European leagues remains challenging, Tinkler's continued success domestically keeps his dream very much alive.
