Richard Ofori reveals Erick Tinkler’s secret in Maritzburg’s success this season
Maritzburg United have been splendid in the South African Premier Soccer League in the 2019-2020 season, sitting three places below with 39 points on the log, just a point from qualifying to the CAF Confederation Cup next season.
The Team of Choice also look destined to finish in the top eight of the PSL and they were narrowly defeated in the Telkom Knockout Cup final by Mamelodi Sundowns.
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The hardest work has been done by manager Eric Tinkler who took over the coaching job at Maritzburg from Chippa United in January 2019.
His effort has never gone unnoticed at the club, and shot stopper Richard Ofori who has been one of Maritzburg’s key performers so far has highlighted the transformation brought by Tinkler.
“What I can say is, the togetherness which is very important, has kept us through because we suffered a lot last season,” Ofori told Far Post.
“So this season I think the togetherness, the teamwork and the hard work has helped the team.
“Listening to the coach [Tinkler] also as you can see, we didn’t start the season very well, but when the coach speaks to us we listen and we try and do everything possible to win games.”
“And another thing, in each and every one of us there is a competition, each and everyone is working hard and each and everyone wants to execute the chance that the coach will be giving to him,” he added.
“That has been our strength because you know if you don’t work hard and they give another player an opportunity he will deliver. So you need to push, I think the competition has really helped a lot.”
READ MORE: Maritzburg goal- keeper Richard Ofori appears the latest January transfer target for Kaizer Chiefs
The Black Stars goalkeeper has make sure, on ten occasions, that he never picked the ball out from his net in 22 games this season.
This makes him one of the best shot stoppers in the South African Premier Soccer League this term, and his form has attracted a lot of interest from Europe and South African clubs.
Downs and Pirates are reportedly interest in making Ofori their goalkeeper, with the same level of interest from league leaders Kaizer Chiefs – who knee searching for 33 year-old Daniel Akpeyi’s long term replacement.
