Durban City’s biggest test yet identified by Eric Tinkler

The Citizens made history last weekend by reaching the group stage of the continental competition and have since been drawn against Morocco’s AS FAR, Tanzania’s Azam FC and Libya’s Al Ahly Tripoli.

With a demanding fixture schedule awaiting his side, the experienced coach acknowledged the challenge ahead, stressing that preparing his players mentally will be crucial as City ready themselves for a test against established continental opposition.

"I've just got to try and keep mentally focused, sit with individuals, and talk to them, see how they are feeling. Rest is key. Rest is very important – recovery. One or two days off whenever we can give them that opportunity just to switch off, literally switch off from football. They need that to reset and then, obviously, come back now focused and get back in the zone that you need to be in order to achieve, especially at that level," said Tinkler.

READ: Eric Tinkler admits Durban City played into Stellenbosch’s hands

Tinkler even suggested their cup exit on Wednesday night could actually be a blessing in disguise despite missing out on a chance for early silverware.

"I think so. Truthfully, in my honest opinion, I want to compete for everything, but it's going to be tough now until the Christmas break because we have so many games. We have five of the group phase games plus league games. Now imagine if we still had the Carling Cup game adding to all of that. The league is an important factor for us; it is extremely important. It's great for us to be in the CAF competition, but the league has to take precedent over everything."

The coach added that City could have been drawn against any team in the Confederation Cup and the group would have still been a tall order.  

With Tinkler having reached three interclub finals with Orlando Pirates and SuperSport United, his knowledge will be crucial. 

He says a lot of the pressure will be on his shoulders.