Tinkler Focuses On Tactical Improvements

Sekhukhune United coach Eric Tinkler acknowledged the talent and experience in his squad following Sunday’s 2-1 loss against Stellenbosch United at Peter Mokaba Stadium. 

The newly appointed coach, who has drawn one and lost the other of the two games so far after taking over from Lehlohonolo Seema, doesn’t see the team as lacking in talent but noting that certain elements need to be added. 

“I think there’s a lot of talent here, and there’s a lot of experience in this team. Players who played at the highest level at big clubs” said Tinkler. 

“The talent is not the issue; now it’s about building on what they’ve achieved so far and adding certain elements that I think we need to bring into our game to make sure that we stay strong and build a credible season, not only this season but moving forward.” 

Tinkler is concerned that they didn’t display any creativity in terms of creating opportunities in the final third and feels the need to implement his desired playing style. 

“There’s still quite a bit that I have to do in terms of the playing style that I want,” he said.

“On Sunday, it was a little bit better in terms of our possession and our build-up, but in the final third I don’t think there was enough creativity; I don’t think there was enough penetration, so those are certain areas that we need to work on and the mistakes.” 

Sekhukhune is currently positioned fourth in the Betway Premiership table with 34 points after 22 matches, one point behind third-placed Stellenbosch who are 35 points after 22 games.

The team’s upcoming fixture will see them face Tinkler’s former club, Cape Town City, at DHL Stadium on 6 April. This match adds an intriguing layer of narrative, especially following City’s dismissal of Muhsin Ertugral on Monday morning.