You can’t cancel the season – Eric Tinkler

Eric Tinkler, coach of Maritzburg United

Monday May 04, 2020. 11:00

Maritzburg United coach Eric Tinkler has rejected the notion that South Africa’s Premier Soccer League (PSL) season should be cancelled amid the coronavirus pandemic.

The 2019-20 campaign has been suspended since mid-March, with no sign of if or when it will be resumed, and the country’s government has kept in place strict regulations which prohibit any sporting events or mass gatherings.

Tinkler says he has been frustrated at the lack of action and inability to train, and hopes that the PSL can come to an understanding with the government in order to finish the season.

“No, you can’t null and void it [season]. There’s so much at stake. Amateur football can do that. It [the league] has to be completed,” Tinkler told the Daily Sun.

“I think everybody is a bit tired, to be brutally honest. Tired of not being able to train, tired of funny games, and not playing matches.”

Tinkler added, “It’s an unfortunate situation we find ourselves in. But we just wait until the government gives us permission to restart.

“But everyone wants to get back to training. We want to get back to finish the league as soon as we possibly can.”

Maritzburg were placed fifth on the log, nine points adrift of leaders Kaizer Chiefs, when the season was suspended.