Tinkler poised for PSL return after Ghana sojourn

The alarming instability on the bench of PSL teams continues as Eric Tinkler is now set to return to the Premier Soccer League to replace Khalil Ben Youssef, who was sacked by Durban City at the weekend.

Tinkler parted ways with Ghanaian giants Asante Kotoko after requesting to be released from his contract due to “personal reasons” on Monday.

His departure has now opened the door for an immediate return to the PSL, with Durban reportedly his next destination.

Ben Youssef became the fifth coach to walk the plank in the Premiership since the season began last month, joining Cedric Kaze (Sekhukhune United), Lehlohonolo Seema (Siwelele FC), Phuti Mohafe (Marumo Gallants) and Ronnie Gabriel (Richards Bay).

Kaze was the first to go early in the season following three successive defeats to Orlando Pirates, with Seema becoming the second casualty after Siwelele failed to win any of their opening five matches. Mohafe was next to leave Gallants before Gabriel resigned at Bay.

The potential move for Tinkler represents a return to familiar territory, having previously worked with Farook Kadodia during his time at Maritzburg United.

With the season still in the early stages just two months in, few coaches are at risk of losing their jobs, reflecting a lack of patience from club bosses.

The likes of Abram Mongoya (Kruger United) and Brando Truter are not yet safe, while Bernard Parker has reportedly been demoted to assistant coach by TS Galaxy.

Kruger have only registered a single victory in seven matches, with five defeats and a draw, with only four points collected. Chippa have also recorded a single victory with five draws and a defeat to slump to ninth place.

Should Tinkler join Durban, he will have at least two weeks to get his team ready for their next league and continental assignment because of the Fifa break.

But his return is another indication of the revolving door in the PSL dugout, with now seven coaches currently still employed by the teams they finished the season with last season.

Half the teams have made coaching changes with just seven games played, and more are expected to follow before the end of the year.