Tinkler Insists Sekhukhune Never Underestimated Milford In Nedbank Cup
Sekhukhune United coach Eric Tinkler says his side never underestimated Milford during their Nedbank Cup quarterfinal clash at Peter Mokaba Stadium on Saturday evening, insisting that Babina Noko fully understood the challenge posed by the Motsepe Foundation Championship outfit.
Babina Noko’s hopes of reaching the semifinals came to an end dramatically after they were eliminated on penalties by the lower-division side.
The two teams played out an entertaining encounter that finished 1-1 in regular time before ending 2-2 after extra time, forcing the match to be decided from the penalty spot.
The defeat meant Sekhukhune became the second top-flight club to be knocked out by a first-division side in the quarterfinal stage of the competition on the same day. Earlier on Saturday, Casric Stars also produced a shock result after eliminating AmaZulu from the tournament.
Speaking after the match, Tinkler was asked whether his side may have underestimated Milford due to the difference in divisions between the two clubs. However, the 55-year-old mentor dismissed that suggestion and emphasized that his team knew the match would be difficult.
“No (we didn’t underestimate Milford), not at all,” Tinkler said.
“I think we all knew that this was not going to be an easy match.
“It doesn’t matter which division they are playing in, and what you need to do is to raise your level. I think we did that today, but unfortunately, we lost.”
Despite the disappointing result, Tinkler remained positive about the overall performance of his players.
The former Orlando Pirates tactician explained that he was very pleased with the way his team played and described it as their best performance since returning from the Africa Cup of Nations break earlier this year.
“I’m very, very happy with the performance that the boys put out throughout the match,” he added.
“That was exceptional, and I don’t think we’ve played like that since coming from the AFCON break. So, I’m very proud of them for the effort they put in, but it’s heartbreaking for them. I’m very proud of their performance.
“We were the best team, we created most chances for the majority of the game, and I don’t think we underestimated them.”
Following this disappointing loss, Babina Noko will now turn its attention back to league action in the Betway Premiership.
Sekhukhune United are set to face provincial rivals Polokwane City in the Limpopo Derby on March 14, with the match scheduled to take place once again at Peter Mokaba Stadium.
The encounter will offer Sekhukhune an immediate opportunity to respond positively after their Nedbank Cup exit as they aim to continue their campaign strongly in the Betway Premiership.
