Former Orlando Pirates & Cape Town City coach Tinkler sees international break as perfect time to fix Sekhukhune United's weaknesses - ‘There is a lot of talent here and a lot of experience in this team’

Eric Tinkler was brought in to replace Lehlohonolo Seema, who managed Sekhukhune United for 25 games in the 2024/25 season. Seema led the club to third place with 12 wins, four draws, and nine losses before being dismissed.

The Limpopo-based side turned to the former Bafana Bafana international, who started with a win against Marumo Gallants but then lost to Stellenbosch. Now, with eight games left in the season, the 54-year-old Afcon winner has identified key areas of improvement and he highlighted the need to strengthen both the defence and attack to secure results.

Tinkler also believes the international break is perfectly timed for refining his squad. With crucial games ahead, he aims to ensure Sekhukhune remains competitive in the final stretch.

“There is still a lot of work I need to do in terms of the playing style I want. In the final third, I don't think there's enough creativity and penetration,” he said as reported by Sowetan.

"Those are the areas we need to work on and the mistakes. In the two games that I’ve been in charge, the three goals [conceded] have come from crosses and we don’t seem to be able to deal with that. So, those are areas where we have to figure out what the issue is because our defence is not dealing with it and now that we have the Fifa break, we can work on those elements to improve them.

"You want to be competing at the highest level and you want to be conceding fewer goals and I think that has been the weakness for the club. Yes, they have been winning matches, but they have been conceding goals."

"There is a lot of talent here and there is a lot of experience in this team, players who have played at the highest level at big clubs," he said.

"Talent is not an issue; it is about building on what they’ve achieved so far and then adding certain elements I think we need to bring into our game to make sure we stay strong and build a credible season moving forward."

With the league title race between Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates going down to the wire, Sekhukhune is battling for a Caf Confederation Cup spot and having previously competed in the tournament, they are eager to secure qualification once again.

With eight games left, every point is vital in their push for continental football. They are also still in the Nedbank Cup, adding another path to potential silverware.

Their postponed match against Mamelodi Sundowns could play a crucial role in determining their season’s outcome.

After a disappointing early exit in their last continental campaign, Sekhukhune is motivated to go further this time.

Tinkler’s next challenge is a trip to face his former club Cape Town City, which recently parted ways with Muhsin Ertugral. The struggling side has appointed Roger De Sá, who previously worked alongside Tinkler.

The upcoming match will be a test of Sekhukhune’s resilience and ability to bounce back. With renewed focus, Tinkler will aim for a strong performance on the road.