By: Sihle Ndebele

Could Orlando Pirates assistant coaches Eric Tinkler and Tebogo Moloi soon be out of work?

This is the question many soccer fans are pondering since the appointment of Vladimir Vermezovic as head coach at the Soweto giants. And now that “VV” has taken the reigns – starting with a 1-0 loss in the Soweto derby last weekend – it will be up to him to decide whether or not Tinkler, who was caretaker coach after the departure of Roger De Sa, and Moloi will stay on at the club.

Speaking to Iziko sport, Pirates public relations officer Mickey Modisane said was up to the coach to decide his technical staff.

“Tebogo and Eric will work with the coach for the reminder of the season. It will be up to the coach whether he wants to get his (own) technical staff or continue to work with them at the end of the current campaign,” said Modisane.

“As the club we expect them to work with the coach going forward,” he added.

Modisane also revealed that VV has the full support of Pirates’ bosses.

“The chairman of the club and everyone at the club is behind the coach. We plead with the fans to support the club and the coach,” he said.

Orlando Pirates assistant coach, Eric Tinkler, whose future is yet to be decided by coach Vladimir Vermevozic. Pictures by: MTN football.

Tinkler made his debut as a caretaker coach when the Bucceneers recorded a 2-1 win against his former employers Wits at last month. Tinkler was an assistant coach at Wits before taking up his role in the Pirates setup.

Moloi has been the assistant coach for many years, and after the departure of Roger De Sa he served as Tinkler’s assistant.