Tinkler warns Sekhukhune against complacency in University of Pretoria Nedbank Cup showdown

Sekhukhune United coach Eric Tinkler has urged his players to guard against complacency as they prepare for a potentially tricky Nedbank Cup last-16 clash against the University of Pretoria this Sunday.

The Limpopo-based outfit advanced to the round of 16 after overcoming Motsepe Foundation Championship side Highbury FC in the previous round.

The Nedbank Cup has built its reputation on upsets, with underdogs often rising to the occasion against more established Premiership outfits. Tinkler believes his side cannot afford to underestimate their opponents, especially after being pushed hard in the last round.

Sekhukhune narrowly edged Highbury 1-0 in the round of 32 — a result that fell short of expectations given the gulf in status between the sides.

“I explained to the players prior to the Highbury game that complacency is the biggest threat,” Tinkler said.

“Sometimes, as I have mentioned before, when I start talking to the players about it, then it happens. I thought we were complacent against Highbury. We have to go into the game against Tuks with a completely different mindset. We should know that we are better than them.”

With the battle for top-three positions in the league tighter than ever, the cup offers Sekhukhune an alternative route to secure continental football next season. Kaizer Chiefs have shown signs of resurgence and are applying pressure in the race for Caf qualification spots, meaning a strong cup run could prove decisive.

Sekhukhune previously reached the Nedbank Cup final in 2023, finishing as runners-up to Orlando Pirates. That result earned them a place in continental competition after Pirates qualified for the Caf Champions League.

As they continue their push for a top-three finish, Tinkler has been encouraged since the resumption of the season, particularly by his side’s defensive performances.

“I said to the players right at the beginning of the season that to compete at the highest level, clean sheets are the most important factor and goals will come,” he explained.

“We went through a rough patch, drew with Pirates — but again, it’s Pirates — and we nearly got a 0-0 draw against Sundowns, letting ourselves down with one mistake. Defensively, I cannot argue. I think everything we do is really good and I am happy with that.”

While pleased with the defensive structure, the former Bafana Bafana international admits there is still room for improvement in attack. He believes his side has drifted away from some of their offensive and transitional principles but was encouraged by signs of progress in their recent 2-0 victory over Orbit College.

New signing Lehlohonolo Mojela also made a notable impact in that match, scoring twice to open his account for the club. Tinkler welcomed the added competition and energy the forward has brought to the squad.

“I spoke to him about the importance of playing with positivity and energy. He was out for a long time at Stellenbosch and didn’t get a lot of game time while he was there,” Tinkler said.

“You want that level of competitiveness between the players. I am happy for him. He deserves it because of the effort he has put in. It gave him a bit of a kick up the bum to wake him up,” he added with a smile.