Eric Tinkler aims for ‘massive achievement’ with Sekhukhune after Pirates PSL win

Sekhukhune United coach Eric Tinkler says his team are on course to reach their targets, and that’s why it’s important for the team to play as a collective.

Sekhukhune are third on the Premiership standings with 44 points, three ahead of the fourth-placed Stellenbosch FC, who have a game in hand, after beating Orlando Pirates 1-0 on Wednesday night.

Babina Noko’s position on the log didn’t come by chance or fluke, as the team have worked their socks off to be where they are at the moment.

So much so that Tinkler, who took over the reins from Lehlohonolo Seema, who was surprisingly sacked earlier this year, is glad that his vision for the club is aligning.

Should Sekhukhune finish in the top three this season, they’ll return to continental football next season via the CAF Champions League or Confederation Cup.

These are territories that Tinkler knows all too well, having led Cape Town City to their maiden Champions League campaign a few years ago.

His greatest achievements on the continent, though, was guiding Orlando Pirates and SuperSport United to the Confederation Cup finals, which they unfortunately lost.

But Tresor Yamba’s winning goal for Sekhukhune at Orlando Stadium on Wednesday has brought great excitement to Tinkler once more.

“I joined for that reason (to play continental football next season), to be honest – that was the target and reason I signed up for Sekhukhune,” the coach explained.

“I was looking at the position that they found themselves at this stage. It was all about us trying to make sure that we finish in the top three or top four.

“I told you that my target and ambition as a coach is to be playing at that level. So, to see Sekhukhune get there that would be a massive achievement.”

While Seema laid the foundation for Tinkler, the former Bafana midfielder is pleased that his hard work is clearly paying off as well.

Since arriving at the club, Tinkler’s only blemish has been a lone defeat, as his team have also won four games and drew one in six outings across all competitions.

“I think it’s my work ethic. I am extremely disciplined. Also in terms of my management, I give them certain freedom to express themselves,” said Tinkler on what has made him hit the ground running.

“At the same time, they need to understand that this is a team sport. So, they need to play as  a collective even though individuals will also get opportunities.”

One of the players who’ve been feeding off Tinkler’s freedom is Keletso Makgalwa, who bagged the Player of the Match award when they beat Pirates on Wednesday night.

Makgalwa assisted Yamba’s lone strike late in the game, taking his assists to 11 in the league, while he has a goal contribution of 15.

Makgalwa’s new lease on life pleases Tinkler, who raved about the 28-year-old’s growth following a rough start in top-flight football, when he was still on the books of Mamelodi Sundowns.

“I had a brief stint with Keletso at Maritzburg (United), he was there on loan (from Mamelodi Sundowns). So, I think he has matured,” Tinkler said.

“He’s disciplined, and has improved immensely. He takes his profession more seriously.  You can see he wants to achieve things and move forward.

“It’s about me as a coach to give him more freedom to do that, but at the same time, tactical discipline also becomes more important.

“I think (on Wednesday), he did well for me. So, I am very happy with the performance he put out. I know he has speed, and he’s very good in 1v1 situations.

“We know that his deliveries from set-piece are impressive. He has become an all-round player, and has all the talent and abilities. He can still work harder, though.”