Sekhukhune United keep Top 3 ambitions alive despite title setback

Sekhukhune United coach Eric Tinkler has often downplayed his team’s chances of competing for the league title — a dream that now seems increasingly out of reach. Yet, his side have persevered through an inconsistent season and remain firmly in the hunt for a Top 3 finish.

Above them, the league’s two strongest sides, Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns, continue to dominate. While matching the quality of these teams was always going to be difficult, Tinkler’s side, strengthened by smart acquisitions over the last two transfer windows, would face a disappointing season if they fail to secure continental football.

Fresh from a 2-0 win against Orbit College, Babina Noko have made good strides in their attempt to cement their place at the top, despite having played more matches than some of their rivals. The victory also marked a rare consecutive win, following a 1-0 success against TS Galaxy in their previous outing.

New signing Lehlohonolo Mojela made an immediate impact since his move from Stellenbosch FC, opening his account for his new side with an impressive brace. Still adapting to life at his new club, Mojela, along with his teammates, drew praise from Tinkler, who highlighted the improvements he has seen from his side in recent outings.

“We are getting there step-by-step. There were a lot of new faces that joined us and had to play a lot of catch-up,” Tinkler said, after the match.

“It was much better, and we created a lot of opportunities — something we had been lacking since the start of the second half of the season. I’m very happy with the progress we’ve made. Overall, I’m pleased with both the result and the performance.”

The Limpopo-based outfit missed out on continental football in the last two seasons, finishing fourth, a target Tinkler has openly stated he wants to improve upon this campaign.

“We want to be better than we were last season,” he continued.

“We finished fourth last season and the season before. The objective is to improve our log position and the points we can accumulate by the end of the season. But as I’ve said before, I don’t look too far ahead — I focus on the next game, its importance, and picking up maximum points.”

Next on the calendar for Tinkler and his side is a Nedbank Cup clash against Highbury FC, followed by a league trip to face title challengers Mamelodi Sundowns.

The former Pirates coach also praised the defending champions, Sundowns, and dismissed suggestions that they have lost their edge, instead likening the league’s competitiveness to other teams simply catching up.

“Without a shadow of a doubt, Pirates and Sundowns are the two best teams in the league,” he said.

“Pirates started poorly against us — we beat them — but they have gradually improved and grown stronger. Sundowns are on another level.

"While their points tally may look lower than last season, it doesn’t mean they are underperforming. Other teams, including us, Chiefs, and AmaZulu, have simply improved and collected more points.

“That’s why Sundowns may appear to be struggling, but in reality, the rest of the league is catching up. It makes the league more interesting.”