Gyimah has been back in central defence to the likes of Siyabonga Sangweni, Rooi Mahamutsa and Happy Jele, and he says he is loving the opportunity.
“When I was young I played in defence because I could play the ball long inside and they used to call me Taribo West,” the 24-year-old says.
“To be honest, with defensive midfield I used to learn by watching a lot of big guys who played there and I felt good playing in that position, so I decided to learn even more about it.
“So central midfield wasn’t really my role when I was growing up, but when I came to South Africa I started playing as a defensive midfielder and things went through for me.”
Gyimah explains how he kept himself motivated when he wasn’t seeing game-time at the start of the season.
“[Tinkler] takes his own decisions and sometimes I feel that he cannot make each and every player happy because when I sit down I ask myself that if I am to be in his shoes how I will cope considering that every player wants to play.
“When we started the season I didn’t play for four games and he spoke to me nicely after I went to him to ask about what I need to do to improve my game. He told me that I should work hard. I didn’t drop my head and I kept on pushing at training and I was given a chance.
“So it is not about who plays because anybody can play at Pirates. It is just that when you are given a chance you need to keep on improving yourself. When you are coming to the team people will talk negatively, but for you as a player you know what you want.
“So to be a part of Pirates is a good thing and I just want to work hard and be there for the team. To play for Pirates is a big motivation,” he explains.
Gyimah adds that he is now keen on seeing Pirates moving towards a strong finish.
“We just need to keep on working hard to catch up with other teams. Competing to be in the first role is not going to be easy for us so what we are concentrating on right now is to finish in the highest note.”