Eric Tinkler warns Sekhukhune United to expect 'crazy things' in battle for third place

Sekhukhune United coach Eric Tinkler is bracing for a demanding end to the season as his side continues their pursuit of a top-three finish and qualification for the CAF Confederation Cup.

Babina Noko will return to action against Golden Arrows at the King Zwelithini Stadium on Sunday (kick-off 3.30pm), in what is shaping up to be a crucial encounter for both sides as they look to strengthen their respective positions on the table.

Both teams head into the clash on the back of frustrating draws, results that have done little to ease the pressure in their respective battles.

Sekhukhune were unable to make the most of an early advantage in their push to solidify third place, while Arrows also let a lead slip in their recent outing against Stellenbosch FC. Despite that setback, the point was enough to keep the Durban side in the top eight.

With plenty at stake, the match is expected to be closely contested, and following their goalless draw against neighbours Polokwane City, Tinkler took the clean sheet as a positive from that encounter.

“The urgency wouldn’t change even if we won and collected three points,” Tinkler said. “What is more important is that we keep clean sheets, which we did again, and we had chances to win that game.”

Tinkler emphasised that the final phase of the season is often unpredictable, with teams raising their intensity as they fight for positions across the table. He believes his side must be prepared for a challenging run-in, with every point likely to be hard-earned.

“None of the games are going to be easy, especially the last ten games of the season. I have seen it many times before — you get strange and funny results in those games. We saw it on Saturday with Orlando Pirates [in their1-1 draw with Siwelele FC}.

“Magesi, normally strong at home, came back (against Chippa United) to make it 2-2, and those are the kinds of results you start to see because everybody is fighting for positions.”

Sekhukhune have shown glimpses of quality throughout the campaign, but inconsistency has at times hindered their progress. Despite currently occupying third place, they have not been able to create a gap between themselves and the chasing pack, with the likes of AmaZulu and Kaizer Chiefs still very much in contention for a top-three finish.

This lack of consistency means there is little margin for error in the remaining fixtures. Every dropped point could prove costly, especially with teams below them eager to capitalise on any slip-ups.

While defensive solidity remains a priority, Tinkler also acknowledged that his side must improve their efficiency in front of goal. Sekhukhune have managed to create a number of chances in recent matches, but their inability to convert those opportunities has prevented them from turning performances into victories.

“What we have to make sure of is that defensively we are solid and keep those clean sheets, and then the chances we create we have to bury them," Tinkler said.

“It would be a concern for me if we didn’t create anything, then I would be concerned because if you are not creating anything, how are you going to win the next game? We created chances against Polokwane City, and now it’s about capitalising on those chances.”

.* Obakeng Meletse is Independent Media’s multi-sport writer. For fresh video content, follow our YouTube channel The Clutch