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Johannesburg - Orlando Pirates coach Eric Tinkler insists he is not concerned about several media reports reports linking former Nigerian coach Stephen Keshi with a possible move to the Buccaneers.
Tinkler’s future at the helm of the Soweto giants remains uncertain as his current deal is set to elapse at the end of the month and the South African football fraternity anticipates him to give up his managerial position.
However, the former Bafana Bafana midfielder told Sport24 in an exclusive interview on Thursday that he is accustomed to these speculations as he was previously linked with a move to Maritzburg United and Bloemfontein Celtic.
“Rumours will always be spread each and every day, but one has to distance oneself from them,” said Tinkler.
“Remember that last year, there was a time I was rumoured to be going to Bloemfontein Celtic and I was also linked with a move to Maritzburg United.
“Recently there were other strong reports saying that I’m on my way to my former team in Portugal which I knew nothing about.
“I’m used to these types of rumours since my playing days and I don’t feel intimidated by them at all.
“I have also heard about him (Keshi) joining Pirates as head coach next season, but I don’t know anything about that, the club didn’t say anything to me about that.
“You know reporters will always want to fill the blank spaces on their papers, so that’s how it is, and it’s nothing new to me.”
Pirates skipper Happy Jele urged the club management to retain the 45-year-old mentor's services, however it remains to be seen what the Buccaneers would decide in the current off-season period.
