“He showed me that he could do that job and has done it extremely well. He kept his place”
ERIC Tinkler has cleared the air about why Siyanda Xulu hasn’t featured for Maritzburg United in the past two PSL games.
It turns out that Tinkler has challenged the experienced defender to fight for his place in the starting line-up.
The former PSL Defender of the Season was on the bench against Polokwane City and Stellenbosch FC respectively, this after Xulu has been an integral part for Maritzburg for the past three seasons.
“Yes, it is for tactical reasons (why Siyanda hasn’t featured). Firstly, you need to look at the combination of Rushine De Reuck and Nazier Allie. That combination has been exceptional so far this season. Siyanda was suspended and (we) couldn’t play him. Would I have played him, yah but he was suspended and I had no other central defenders.
“Then there I grabbed Dan Morgan. He was basically signed as a left wing-back. I played him (at) centre-back and he was outstanding. What type of coach would I be, if I take him off.
“He showed me that he could do that job and has done it extremely well. He kept his place,” Tinkler said.
“There’s nothing against Siyanda and I’ve explained this to the players since (the) beginning of the season.”
