Latest news with #EricTinkler
IOL News
15 hours ago
- Sport
- IOL News
Sekhukhune United must stay ruthless after Orlando Pirates win in the Betway Premiership opener, says Tinkler
Sekhukhune United coach Eric Tinkler wants his side to stay grounded despite their promising start to the season. Photo: Itumleng English Independent Media Image: Itumleng English Independent Media Sekhukhune United's technical team is building a balanced and competitive side, and coach Eric Tinkler has urged his troops to remain consistent. Babina Noko began their Betway Premiership campaign with a 1-0 victory over Orlando Pirates at Orlando Stadium on Saturday afternoon. As such, they will take a huge morale boost into their second league clash against TS Galaxy at the New Peter Mokaba Stadium on Wednesday night (7.30pm). Sekhukhune are eager to complete a double over Galaxy in the space of a fortnight, having come from two goals down to win 3-2 during their MTN8 quarter-final clash. Tinkler's side have ample reason to believe they are heading in the right direction this season, as they have shown great character against both Galaxy and Pirates. Betway Premiership Season opener win; thank you all for making it memorable🙏🏿. 🦔🦔🦔🦔🦔#Adibahlabe#BetwayPremiership2025/26 — Sekhukhune United F.C. (@SekhukhuneFc) August 10, 2025 Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ 'Yes, it was very important to start the league with a win, and we did well to come back against Galaxy (in the MTN8),' Tinkler said. 'Truth be told, I think Galaxy had six or so players who weren't registered in the MTN8. So, I think the team we are going to face on Wednesday will be different. 'This game was always going to be a character test of where we are. The character the guys showed in the MTN8 came out again in this match. 'We are creating a well-disciplined and cultured team. Beyond the tactical aspects, the players' work ethic at training and on match day has to match. 'We have to transfer what we do at training to match day, and I am seeing that, which is a positive.' While Sekhukhune are riding high at the moment after back-to-back wins, Tinkler is not getting carried away. The former Bafana Bafana coach knows there is still a long way to go before the team can truly be at their best and ready to challenge for their first piece of silverware as a club. With the team also in the MTN8 semi-final — where they will face Stellenbosch in the first leg at Danie Craven Stadium on Saturday — Tinkler says they must be consistent across the board. 'We've got a game in three days (against Galaxy), so if we don't win that, then this result means nothing,' Tinkler said. 'It's about building on that — without becoming complacent. Consistency in performances is what's key.' One of the players who has shown flashes of consistency is new centre-back Medupi Thokolo. Man of the Match: Medupi Thokolo Medupi was outstanding today, driving the team with skill and determination. A game-changer who earned every bit of this award! 🦔🦔🦔#Adibahlabe#BetwayPremiership — Sekhukhune United F.C. (@SekhukhuneFc) August 9, 2025
IOL News
4 days ago
- Sport
- IOL News
Eric Tinkler's questions Sipho Mbule's output at Sekhukhune ahead of Orlando Pirates opener
Eric Tinkler believes Sekhukhune United have the squad depth and quality to break into the top three this season. Photo: Backpagepix Image: Backpagepix Sekhukhune United will be chasing back-to-back league victories over Orlando Pirates when the two sides meet in their 2025/26 Betway Premiership opener at Orlando Stadium this Saturday (kick-off 5:30pm). Babina Noko enter the new season with confidence following another respectable campaign, having secured a fourth-place finish in the Premiership. Sekhukhune narrowly missed out on a spot in next season's CAF Confederation Cup, with Stellenbosch FC edging ahead late in the race to secure the final continental slot after their own deep run in the competition last season. Considering the challenges they faced, including a mid-season coaching change, Sekhukhune's achievements were admirable. Lehlohonolo Seema departed the club midway through the campaign and was replaced by former Cape Town City boss Eric Tinkler. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad loading The experienced coach wasted no time in stamping his authority, guiding the Limpopo-based outfit to a strong finish and stabilising their league position. Now preparing for a full season in charge, Tinkler will look to build on that solid foundation. Interestingly, one of his standout results last term came against Pirates—his former employers—when Sekhukhune edged the Soweto giants 1-0 in a tightly contested fixture that proved costly in the Sea Robbers' title charge. That victory gave Tinkler and his side a psychological boost, and they will be eager to replicate that outcome on Saturday against a Pirates team determined to challenge Mamelodi Sundowns for the title again this season. Both sides have been among the busiest in the transfer market, and Tinkler has overseen an active window, making several changes to the squad as he seeks to build a more balanced and competitive team. A number of new signings have arrived, while some familiar faces have departed. Among those to leave is Sipho Mbule, who spent last season on loan at Sekhukhune from Sundowns. The midfielder has since joined the Sea Robbers on a permanent deal and could now face his former teammates in the opening match of the season
IOL News
5 days ago
- Sport
- IOL News
Tinkler targets Top 3 and CAF return with Sekhukhune United
Eric Tinkler believes Sekhukhune United have the squad depth and quality to break into the top three this season. Photo: Backpagepix Image: Backpagepix Sekhukhune United coach Eric Tinkler has outlined his ambitions of securing a Top 3 finish this season, with the ultimate goal of returning to the CAF Confederation Cup. The 2025/26 Betway Premiership offers a fresh opportunity for Babina Noko to make that push, and their campaign gets underway with a high-stakes opening fixture against Orlando Pirates at Orlando Stadium on Saturday (5.30pm kick-off). Tinkler's charges will have little room to ease into the season, especially considering their previous success at the same venue. Sekhukhune were one of just two teams to beat Pirates at Orlando last term, a 1-0 result that dealt a major blow to the Buccaneers' title hopes. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ However, that statement victory wasn't enough to secure continental qualification, as Sekhukhune narrowly missed out on third place — a finish that would have seen them return to the Confederation Cup. After consecutive fourth-place finishes, the club has been active in the transfer market in a bid to bolster its squad for a stronger run this season. Tinkler believes they now have the depth and quality to finally break into the top three. 'We are hoping that we can improve on last season; that is always the objective and the target you set for yourself as a club and as a coach individually,' Tinkler said during the Betway Premiership launch. 'The club has finished fourth twice, two seasons in a row, just fell short of CAF Confed, so next season you want to take that one step higher. 'We are not looking at it as being in the top three but more as points — can we achieve a certain amount of points this season? The club has never broken the 50-point mark, can we do that as a club? 'Because that will mean we are moving in the right direction as a club and come the end of the season, that will possibly guarantee you a top-three finish.' While Mamelodi Sundowns continue to dominate South African league football, Tinkler insists the focus should not solely be on dethroning the champions but on collecting points consistently against all teams. The former Pirates boss has challenged his side to be more ruthless throughout the league season, particularly in away games, if they hope to close the considerable gap on Sundowns, who finished last season with an impressive 73 points. 'It's not beating Sundowns, it's about being able to beat all the other sides in the league,' Tinkler continued. 'Those are the games that are the most important for collecting points away from home. Those are the results that become more important if you want to be competing with Sundowns. 'When I was still coaching Pirates the target used to be 60 points and you win the league and we used to break them down into ten points every five games. It's 73 points now and we are achieving seven or eight points. 'The gap between us and Sundowns is still massive, can we close that gap, can we hit 50? We are still far behind Sundowns, but we are moving in the right direction.'
IOL News
6 days ago
- Sport
- IOL News
Tinkler's Babina Noko and Badela's Chilli Boys plot new paths in Premiership
Babina Noko fans will hope Eric Tinkler can guide Sekhukhune United to a Top 3 finish after last term's promise. Photo: Backpagepix Image: Backpagepix As the new Betway Premiership season kicks off, Sekhukhune United and Chippa United find themselves on very different trajectories. Babina Noko, under the seasoned guidance of Eric Tinkler, are looking to push into the league's upper tier, while Chippa United, once again rebuilding, hope for overdue stability under new coach Sinethemba Badela. Both clubs face challenges — but with contrasting ambitions. 🔴⚫ Sekhukhune United Tinkler's troops target top-tier breakthrough Club owner: Simon Malatji Head Coach: Eric Tinkler Highest ever finish: Fourth in the Premiership Competitions participating in: Betway Premiership, Nedbank Cup, MTN8, Carling Knockout CupSilverware chances: Slim chances in domestic cup competitions, probably not in the running for Premiership honours Bradley Grobler of Sekhukhune United won Player of the Match after their MTN8 quaterfinal match against TS Galaxy this past weekend. Photo: BackpagePix Image: Backpagepix In the heart of Limpopo, Sekhukhune United, affectionately known as Babina Noko, host their home games at the New Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane, a venue that continues to grow in stature. Founded in 2019 as African All-Stars, Sekhukhune's rise has been swift. In September 2020, they acquired GladAfrica Championship status from Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila, launching their professional journey. They wasted little time, earning promotion by winning the second-tier title in 2020/21. Now regulars in the top flight, Sekhukhune have set their sights higher. Since Eric Tinkler's appointment midway through last season, the team has embraced a more ambitious approach. The former Bafana Bafana midfielder brings a wealth of coaching experience and a track record of delivering results. This pre-season, Babina Noko made strategic additions to strengthen key areas in a bid to break into the Premiership's top three. The club's leadership believes the foundations are now in place to challenge the division's elite. Versatile defender Katlego Mohamme will be key to Sekhukhune's ambitions this season, bringing balance and composure to the back line. Photo: Backpagepix Image: Backpagepix Players to watch Keletso Makgalwa Relebogile Mokhuoane Katlego Mohamme Predicted league finish: Fourth Chippa United's new coaching team, including head coach Sinethemba Badela, face a familiar challenge this season — steadying the ship and aiming higher. Photo: Backpagepix Image: Backpagepix 🔵⚪ Chippa United New-look Chilli Boys chase long-awaited stability Club owner: Chippa Mpengesi Head Coach: Sinethemba Badela Highest ever finish: Sixth Competitions participating in: Betway Premiership, Nedbank Cup and Carling Knockout Cup. Silverware chances: None Chippa United begin the new season with familiar uncertainty, hoping a fresh technical team can finally bring some continuity to the Eastern Cape side. The club has become synonymous with mid-table finishes and managerial instability, yet continues to survive in the top flight. Head coach Sinethemba Badela has been tasked with lifting the club beyond last season's 11th-place finish. He takes over from Thabo September, whose short stint ended without renewal. Badela is joined by assistant Musa Nyatama, formerly in charge at Moroka Swallows. Together, they will try to break the cycle that has held Chippa back since their last top-eight finish in 2015/16. However, their task is complicated by off-season departures, including Sinoxolo Kwayiba and striker Bienvenu Eva Nga. Rebuilding a competitive squad remains a top priority. The Chilli Boys are known for taking swift action when results go south. That approach has helped them maintain their Premiership status, but also contributes to a climate of pressure for any incoming coach. Badela and Nyatama will need early results to buy time—and breathing room. There is still promise in the squad, with a few key players capable of lifting the team when in form. Much will depend on whether the new coaches can instil a consistent identity and get their signings to gel. Creative midfielder Azola Matrose will be central to Chippa United's attacking hopes as they look to climb the Premiership table. Photo: Backpagepix Image: Backpagepix
IOL News
03-08-2025
- Sport
- IOL News
Tinkler demands defensive discipline despite Sekhukhune's MTN8 triumph
Eric Tinkler watches on as Sekhukhune United rally to beat TS Galaxy in the MTN8 — but defensive frailties remain a concern. Photo: Backpagepix Image: Backpagepix Sekhukhune United emerged victorious over TS Galaxy in a thrilling MTN8 quarter-final encounter, but head coach Eric Tinkler remained concerned about his side's defensive vulnerabilities. Despite a spirited second-half comeback at the Peter Mokaba Stadium that saw Sekhukhune clinch the win and advance to the semi-finals, Tinkler candidly admitted his disappointment at the defensive lapses that led to two first-half goals. 'We worked quite extensively during pre-season to bring down the number of goals conceded,' he said. 'Unfortunately, two silly mistakes ended up costing us two goals.' The match was a dramatic affair, with Sekhukhune trailing 2-1 at half-time after a series of errors at the back undermined an otherwise dominant first-half display. 'It's always difficult when a team is 2-1 up and concedes just before half-time,' Tinkler noted. 'It puts you in a precarious position going into the break.' But Sekhukhune showed character in the second half. Tactical adjustments made at half-time paid off as they pressed forward with renewed purpose and netted two crucial goals. 'The changes we made worked well,' said Tinkler. 'I think we dominated the game in the second half and deserved the two goals that we scored.' Reflecting on the overall performance, Tinkler highlighted the need to learn from defensive mistakes — particularly in set-piece situations — and reiterated that execution had let them down despite solid preparation. 'We made the players aware that the threat would come at the far post,' he said, referencing one of the goals conceded. 'It's about learning from those mistakes and fixing those problems.' While his post-match critique was pointed, Tinkler praised the resilience and commitment shown by his players under pressure. 'We are into the next round, which was our objective going into this game,' he added. 'Now we must build on this and improve.'
