Tinkler Questions Durban City’s Staying Power In Top-Three Race
Sekhukhune United coach Eric Tinkler believes Durban City are currently punching above their weight and could still stumble as the battle for a top-three finish intensifies.
A top-three spot in the Betway Premiership has been set as a mandate for Tinkler by the Sekhukhune management, and the pressure has increased in recent days.
Sekhukhune drew 1-1 with City in their league clash at Chatsworth Stadium on Wednesday, with Tshepo Mashiloane — on loan from Orlando Pirates — scoring a late equaliser.
Saziso Magawana, who was previously tracked by Kaizer Chiefs and struggled to live up to expectations at Golden Arrows, had earlier put the home side ahead from close range after a breakaway in the second half.
The draw leaves City, who were promoted at the start of the season, breathing down Sekhukhune’s neck in the race for the CAF Confederation Cup qualifying spot.
City, coached by Pitso Dladla, have 32 points from 20 matches — just one behind Babina Noko.
With City’s performances this season surprising many as they challenge for a continental place, Tinkler admitted they have exceeded expectations but believes they could still wobble with 10 games remaining.
“Not necessarily [that they will fall away since they are a new side in the top flight], because the expectations from Durban City might be lower than what they are right now,” said Tinkler after the game.
“So the confidence and the morale are so high. The results are coming, and the players are performing above themselves because the confidence is there.
“Not necessarily, but could they potentially have a wobble? Yes, they could.
“What we have to make sure is that when we play the next league match, which is against Polokwane City at home, we get a positive result and collect the three points.”
Tinkler faced a City side that has not lost a league match at Chatsworth Stadium this season, despite the club having changed coaches three times.
Before the match, he had already warned his players that they would face a tough challenge at the venue.
“To come here was not going to be easy,” said Tinkler.
“I explained that to the players. This is a team sitting near the top, and they are now just one point behind you.
“So you have to give them credit for what they have done and achieved. We have to work harder than that, and I don’t think we did in the first half.”
Sekhukhune will now turn their attention to the quarter-final of the Nedbank Cup against Milford FC, the leaders of the Motsepe Foundation Championship, at Peter Mokaba Stadium on Saturday (18:00).
