Orlando Pirates coach Eric Tinkler confesses the 4-0 win over Tornado in their Nedbank Cup match on Wednesday was important.

Goals from Lennox Bacela, Sifiso Myeni and a brace from ‘man of the match’ Thandani Ntshumayelo saw the Buccaneers into the last 16 of the cup competition.

“It was important for us to start well which is what we did,” said Tinkler.

“We got the early penalty and we got the second goal.

“I am disappointed that we took our foot off the pedal in the first half if I have to be honest. I would have liked to have got the third to really have sealed the matter early because at 2-0 it is not a great result.

“At half time I spoke to them and they came out better in the second half, and obviously with the sending off it made life a lot easier for us and we ended up winning the game comfortably.”

Tinkler emphasised that he told his players to kill the game off early so that the players who don’t play regularly could get a run.

“I said to the players before the game that we must try seal the game as early as possible so we can give a player like Menzi (Masuku) some game time,” added Tinkler.

“Thabo Rakhale also did exceptionally well when he came on. He is a player who likes to entertain the fans and he created the opportunity for Sifiso’s goal.”

Overall Tinkler said he was happy with the win and admitted he knew Tornado FC would tire.

“I am happy with the result and am looking forward now to moving onto the next game,” said Tinkler.

“You could see towards the end they (Tornado) struggled with the fitness, but that is only normal, you are talking about a team who is playing three divisions lower than us and you would expect the players to feel that fatigue.

“But this game was only easy because we made it easy. If we didn’t put in the leg work, if we didn’t work hard, they could have hurt us.”