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By Sibongiseni Gumbi

Football Writer


What coach Eric Tinkler told me – Jappie

Maritzburg United’s young midfielder, Yusuf Jappie didn’t sulk when he wasn’t getting game time but instead took what coach Eric Tinkler told him he needed to improve on to heart.


The 24-year-old then knuckled down and worked on what his mentor advised him on.

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“The coach spoke to me and told me to be patient and wait for my chance. He told me of certain things I needed to work on and as time went on, I did what he told me which is why he has been giving me chances (to play). I am proving that every time I get to play, I show that I really want to play and help the team where it is possible,” he said.

Jappie is hoping to get a run again when the Blue Hearts (Maritzburg’s new nickname) visit Baroka FC at Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane on Sunday afternoon.

“They are not a bad side at all,” he said of Bakgaga who are fourth from bottom and above the three teams behind them only on goal difference. “They play good football also, like us. They have the same problem we have – not scoring. But I think this time around we have been scoring and keeping clean sheets. So, hopefully we can do the same thing going to the game on Sunday. And the guys seem positive and we are going there to collect all three points.

“We set a target for ourselves and so far we are on point with that and I hope on Sunday we can carry on towards achieving our target,” he said.

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Eric Tinkler Maritzburg United F.C.

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