Eric Tinkler's questions Sipho Mbule's output at Sekhukhune ahead of Orlando Pirates opener

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. 

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

Tinkler, who only worked briefly with Mbule, believes the player has talent — but also room to grow.

“Sipho is a talent,” Tinkler said during the Betway Premiership launch.“I watched him again, I’ll be honest, he does a few technical things that make the fans happy, but the contribution overall is what you have to ask.

“Can he be contributing more than what he does? I do not think he’s contributing half of what his potential is — not half. I know I am being harsh, but he is not my player anymore.”

Despite Mbule’s departure, Tinkler remains satisfied with the squad at his disposal heading into the new season.

“You must understand, when I joined, certain players were already signed by the club,” he continued. “Obviously, I looked to bring in certain players that I think would strengthen the squad. I’ve been vocal about bringing down the number we currently have in the squad to a more manageable size

“But in terms of the players we’ve brought in, we’ve added a lot more depth, which was the main objective—especially knowing we are heading into a very congested season.”