Eric Tinkler set for Durban City move after leaving Asante Kotoko

Eric Tinkler is poised to return to the Premier Soccer League as Durban City consider appointing him to replace Khalil Ben Youssef, who was dismissed at the weekend.

The move would come shortly after Tinkler ended his spell with Ghanaian giants Asante Kotoko. The former South Africa international asked to be released from his contract on Monday, citing “personal reasons”.

Tinkler’s departure has opened the way for an immediate return to the PSL, with Durban reportedly set to be his next destination.

Ben Youssef was the fifth Premiership manager to lose his job since the season began last month. He followed Cedric Kaze of Sekhukhune United, Lehlohonolo Seema of Siwelele FC, Phuti Mohafe of Marumo Gallants and Ronnie Gabriel of Richards Bay.

Kaze was the first manager to leave after Sekhukhune suffered three consecutive defeats to Orlando Pirates. Seema was dismissed after Siwelele failed to win any of their first five matches, while Mohafe then departed Marumo Gallants. Gabriel resigned from Richards Bay.

A move to Durban would take Tinkler back to familiar surroundings. He previously worked with club owner Farook Kadodia during his time in charge of Maritzburg United.

The rapid turnover has highlighted the limited patience of PSL clubs, with the campaign only two months old. Abram Mongoya remains under pressure at Kruger United, while Brando Truter is also not yet considered secure. Bernard Parker has reportedly been moved into an assistant-coach role at TS Galaxy.

Kruger United have won only one of their seven matches, losing five and drawing one to collect four points. Chippa United have also recorded just one victory, alongside five draws and one defeat, leaving them ninth in the table.

If Tinkler takes charge at Durban City, the Fifa break would give him at least two weeks to prepare the squad for its next domestic and continental fixtures.

His possible appointment would further underline the instability in PSL dugouts. Only seven coaches are currently still working for the clubs they finished last season with, while half of the league’s teams have already changed managers after only seven matches. More moves are expected before the end of the year.

Coaches who finished last season with their teams

Abdeslam Ouaddou – Orlando Pirates Miguel Cardoso – Mamelodi Sundowns Arthur Zwane – AmaZulu Gavin Hunt – Stellenbosch Brandon Truter – Chippa United Abram Mongoya – Kruger United Xanti Pupuma – Milford Bernard Parker – TS Galaxy

Teams who began the season with new coaches

Kaizer Chiefs – Fernando Da Cruz Sekhukhune United – Cedric Kaze Golden Arrows – Pitso Dladla Durban City – Khalil Ben Youssef Polokwane City – Bayano Moloto Siwelele FC – Lehlohonolo Seema Marumo Gallants – Phuti Mohafe

\ Reportedly demoted to assistant coach \ Sacked