Sekhukhune United head coach Eric Tinkler has revealed his main objective for the remainder of the 2024/25 season.
The 54-year-old coach was named the new Banina Noko coach in March following the departure of Lehlohonolo Seema.
The Bafana Bafana legend had been unattached since December when he was sent packing by Cape Town City FC following a string of poor results.
He has stated his intention to guide to a top-three finish in the Betway Premiership this season, a position that would qualify them for the CAF Confederation Cup.
TINKLER ON HIS TARGET – ‘WE CAN STILL ACHIEVE THAT’
“Our objective and my target is to finish in the top three and we can still achieve that,” said Tinkler.
However, he voiced a concern that injuries and suspensions leading to the absence of key players for the upcoming matches could impede their progress towards their objective.
“We lost two key players recently. Linda Mntambo out with injury. Relebohile Mokhuoane unfortunately is also out with an injury,” Tinkler added.
“These are two key players and they have featured a lot and not having them today [Friday against Mamelodi Sundowns in the Nedbank Cup quarterfinal] was a bit of a loss. Now, it’s about trying to get those two players back as soon as we can.
“Now, we have three suspensions. Three players are suspended for the game against Cape Town City. I think now the depth of the club is going to be tested.
“As much we say we have a good squad, this is where the test is going to happen. Those [available] players have to now step up and show.”
The Limpopo side finished fourth in the DStv Premiership [now Betway Premiership] last season and qualified for Confederation Cup. This was because Orlando Pirates, the Nedbank Cup winners, who would normally qualify for the Confederation Cup, had already earned a CAF Champions League place by finishing second in the league.
This season, Sekhukhune’s journey in the competition ended in the second preliminary round despite a 2-1 victory over Angola’s CD Lunda in the second leg. The 2-2 aggregate scoreline resulted in their elimination due to the away goals rule.
Meanwhile, in league action, Tinkler’s men are currently fifth with 34 points from 22 matches played.
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