Sekhukhune United keep pressure at the top despite ups and downs

Sekhukhune United have had an inconsistent start to the Betway Premiership season, but despite the ups and downs, the team has shown enough quality to remain competitive among the league’s top sides.

Heading into the season, Babina Noko had clear ambitions and strengthened their squad with several new signings. While they haven’t consistently met the high expectations set by their early performances, the team has demonstrated resilience and quality, keeping pace with the league’s demands.

The race for the league title has been highly competitive, and with the Christmas break upon the teams, there is no clear frontrunner. Orlando Pirates have threatened to run away with the top spot, but their true test will come when the season resumes next year.

Despite recent struggles, Sekhukhune closed out the calendar year in a strong position, sitting third on the log, just one point behind Mamelodi Sundowns, with both sides having played 13 matches each.

While the current position may be slightly disappointing for coach Eric Tinkler, who believes his side could have collected more points from certain matches, he remains satisfied with what the team has accomplished.

“I definitely think so,” Tinkler said, reflecting with satisfaction on the club’s standing.

“We set ourselves targets for the points we wanted to achieve during a certain period, and we certainly achieved that.

“I am, however, disappointed with certain results, especially at home. Dropping points to Richards Bay at home, away to Siwelele FC, and the draw with Marumo Gallants wasn’t ideal.

"Perhaps another three points from that period would have been phenomenal. But I don’t think it’s time to push the panic button because the team has responded very well.”

Tinkler and his squad snapped a five-match winless run with a 1-0 victory against Magesi FC away at Seshego Stadium, restoring confidence and ending a difficult spell on a positive note.

With the league set to pause for over a month due to the Africa Cup of Nations, the break offers Tinkler the opportunity to reset and refocus the squad ahead of the season’s resumption.

One of the campaign’s standout positives for the Limpopo-based outfit has been the signing of experienced striker Bradley Grobler. The forward has made a significant impact, scoring nine goals in 16 appearances across all competitions.

Tinkler, though, will be sweating over the fitness of his experienced striker, who has been sidelined following an off-field accident. On a brighter note, captain Linda Mtambo made his return in the team’s final game of the year, providing a timely boost for the squad.

The club also strengthened its technical staff with the addition of former Supersport United coach Andre Arendse.

“To finish the year on a positive note was the objective,” Tinkler said.

“We lost Bradley, unfortunately, to an accident he suffered at home; he needed a thorn to be removed from his foot, and he had surgery, so he wasn’t available for the final game.

“Linda came back, and we wanted to give him some minutes—he ended up getting 30 minutes. It was good for him to be back with the squad, and it was vital for the team to go into the break on a positive note instead of a negative one.”