Supersport United have announced that head coach Eric Tinkler has been released from his contract with immediate effect.

Matsatsantsa’s assistant coach Kaitano Tembo will take over on a caretaker basis until the end of the season.

Tembo takes charge of a side that lies just three points clear of the relegation zone and who have won just six of their 23 Premiership matches.

This run of form undoubtedly led to the decision by Tinkler and the Tshwane giants.

‘I believe we can turn things around but the only way of getting out of our current position is to have a fully unified and committed response from the players and I haven’t been able to get that from them, so it seems best for all parties that we part ways,’ Tinkler said.

‘I have been in discussion with club management about the poor performance of the team for a while now. In reflecting on the last few games, I have not been satisfied with the response out on the pitch.’

‘I wish the club all the best and I am glad I could add to their trophy cabinet with MTN8.’

Supersport United CEO Stanley Matthews pointed out that poor results was the reason behind the decision.

‘We decided to accept Eric’s resignation today,’ Matthews said.

‘Clearly, the league results achieved have not been up to the standards we set for ourselves.

‘We have 17 consecutive top 8 finishes under our belt, so to be in the position we currently find ourselves is not easy to accept. We believe in the group of players we have, in their playing ability as well as their desire to fight for the club.’

‘We wish Eric well in the future and thank him for his contribution in adding the MTN8 trophy to our cabinet, during his short spell at the club,’ added Matthews.