Latest news with #Tinkler
IOL News
2 days 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
3 days ago
- Sport
- IOL News
Forged in Fire: Eric Tinkler's rough journey from pain to purpose
The hardship didn't end there. Tinkler would go on to experience the isolating, high-pressure world of professional coaching — a role often as unstable as it is demanding. As a coach, he has learned to live for the next match, the next result, and not to expect job security in a league where patience from club owners is often thin. 'There was a sense of pride. I didn't want them to think I had failed,' he says. 'Those years were incredibly tough.' And prove people wrong he did. From humble beginnings, Tinkler carved out a professional playing career that took him from Portugal's third division via the tough Italian Serie A — where he played for Cagliari — to the heights of the English Premier League with Barnsley, and eventually to representing South Africa on the global stage. But it was never easy. In his early years abroad, he struggled — alone and sometimes unpaid — on a 10-month contract in Portugal, often missing salaries and cutting off communication with his family for three years out of shame and fear of being seen as a failure. 'My father never really had any positive things to say about me as a player,' he reflects. 'But I think that helped me, to a degree. It made me want to work harder and prove people wrong.' That hard life began in Florida, a suburb on the West Rand, in a household where love and encouragement weren't exactly in abundance. Tinkler speaks openly about his strained relationship with his father, describing him as a 'brutal man' who was far from supportive of his football aspirations. Despite Eric's obvious talent and burning passion for the game, praise was rare, and belief in his dream even rarer. 'I come across as a very, very cold person,' Tinkler admits. 'But I think that's just from my upbringing—the way I was brought up. I had a very, very hard life as a young boy.' But dig a little deeper, and it becomes clear that the steely demeanour masking the Sekhukhune United head coach is less a matter of temperament and more a product of upbringing. Eric Tinkler is not an easy man to read. To many in the South African football fraternity, he appears cold, unapproachable—even difficult. 'In South Africa, it's probably one of the hardest countries to be a coach,' Tinkler says. 'You can't really plan long-term. Everything is about the next game. That next win is the most important one.' Early in his coaching career, this brutal reality rattled him. The constant pressure, the criticism, and the short-lived nature of coaching stints were emotionally taxing. But over the years, he adapted. He grew a thicker skin, learned not to take things personally, and found solace in his work ethic. 'I come in every day, I plan, I work really hard. I try to be as professional as I possibly can,' he says with pride. 'No one could ever point a finger at me for lack of work or lack of intent.' It's this consistency and drive — no doubt born from his desire to transcend the limitations of his youth — that have seen him thrive in South Africa's top-flight football. He's won trophies, turned struggling teams into competitors, and helped launch the careers of young players who, like him, just needed a chance. 'I enjoy seeing young players getting their opportunities and making their debuts,' he says. 'Sometimes it's not just about winning trophies — it's about changing someone's life.' Yet the scars of his past linger. Tinkler admits he can come across as intimidating, even to his own players. 'Some people are afraid of me,' he says with a chuckle. 'I call a spade a spade. I'm not afraid to speak my mind.' He recalls being nicknamed 'Putin' by some due to his cold exterior. But those who get to know him see another side — one that's deeply committed, intensely focused, and surprisingly nurturing. 'My relationship with players has always been good. They enjoy being coached by me. So I must be doing something right.' Now a father of two boys, Tinkler is determined to be the kind of father he didn't have. His children, like him, have had to live through the volatility of his profession — enduring media scrutiny, public firings, and long stretches without their dad. Still, he beams with pride when he talks about giving them a better life. 'I have a sense of pride that I've been able to provide for my children and give them opportunities I didn't have,' he says. 'It wasn't always easy for them. It's not nice to hear your father got fired, and then it's in the newspapers, and people are asking why.' His career has had its highs — leading Cape Town City to a cup final in their inaugural season, winning silverware, and finishing high up in the league. But there have been lows too: relegation battles, job uncertainty, and strained family life due to long-distance commitments. 'I was naïve early on, thinking I could travel with my family from job to job,' he says. 'Eventually I realised kids need stability — friends, school. Now they live in Cape Town while I'm based in Joburg. It takes a massive toll on the family dynamic.' Despite it all, Tinkler is not done. At Sekhukhune United, he is tasked with leading a club that has never won major silverware — one that dares to dream of top-three finishes and continental competition. He believes they can do it, even while acknowledging the financial and footballing gulf between his side and dominant forces like Mamelodi Sundowns. 'They're just on another level,' he says bluntly. 'But we try to compete the best we can. You don't win the league by beating Sundowns — you win it by beating everyone else.' As he enters another demanding season, one thing is clear: Eric Tinkler is a man forged in fire. His resilience, grit, and work ethic have made him a respected figure in South African football. He may not smile often, and he may never fully shake the 'cold' label, but beneath the surface is a man shaped by adversity — someone who, against all odds, turned pain into purpose. And in a world as brutal as professional football, perhaps that's exactly the kind of man you want leading your team.
The South African
4 days ago
- Sport
- The South African
Tinkler: Orlando Pirates' Mbule can offer more
Eric Tinkler, the former coach of Orlando Pirates midfielder Sipho Mbule, has offered a frank assessment on the midfield maestro, saying he is still short of what he's truly capable of. Tinkler worked with the then very young Mbule at SuperSport United before a reunion at Sekhukhune United last season. When asked about Mbule's performance in Orlando Pirates' recent MTN8 quarterfinal win over Polokwane City, Tinkler praised his natural technical ability but questioned his overall influence on games. Kaizer Chiefs transfer news: Coach Nabi speaks Orlando Pirates star Sipho Mbule trains in Marbella before the 2025/26 Betway Premiership season. Image: orlandopirates/Instagram Mbule became a Buccaneer after the Bethlehem-born star was released by Mamelodi Sundowns over reported ill-discipline. The 26-year-old was loaned out to Sekhukhune United in the latter half of last season, where Tinkler had a chance to work with him again. While his talent remains undeniable, concerns about his work rate and consistency continue to follow him. 'Sipho is a talent,' Tinkler told the media at the Betway Premiership launch. Confirmed: Kaizer Chiefs target still belongs to Sundowns 'I watched the game (Pirates against Polokwane City on Saturday in the MTN8 quarterfinals), I will be honest. He does a few little technical things that made it all happen. 'But the contribution overall is what you got to ask. And can he be contributing more than what he does? Yes. I don't think he is contributing half of what his potential is. 'I'm being harsh, but he is not my player anymore,' concluded Tinkler. Meanwhile, Tinkler's Sekhukhune will be in Soweto to face Orlando Pirates on Saturday at 17:30 at the Orlando Stadium. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
IOL News
5 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
7 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.'
