Sekhukhune United coach Eric Tinkler has shared his honest views on the performances of talented winger Keletso Makgalwa, who was nominated for two top PSL awards last season.
The 28-year-old, Makgalwa, was nominated for the Betway Premiership Footballer of the Season and the Betway Premiership Players’ Player of the Season awards.
He was nominated alongside Mamelodi Sundowns‘ Lucas Ribeiro and Relebohile Mofokeng of Orlando Pirates in both categories.
However, the Limpopo-born star did not win any of the awards for which he was nominated, as Ribeiro managed to win both accolades.
Makgalwa was a standout performer for Babina Noko last campaign, having featured in 32 games across all competitions, scoring six goals and contributing 11 assists.
‘HE MUST DO IT AGAIN,’ SAYS ERIC TINKLER
Tinkler explained that it’s crucial for the ex-Mamelodi Sundowns winger to match his form from last season to demonstrate his abilities as a good player, and potentially open up better opportunities in the future.
“He shouldn’t see it as pressure [to replicate his form]. My view is that Keletso needs to do it again. Doing it again is when you prove that you are actually a good player,” said Tinkler.
“If you only do it once and don’t do it again, it doesn’t improve anything. So, that has been the message that I have passed on to Keletso. I told him, ‘Keletso, you need to score more goals and create more assists’. I’m not asking him for a 50% improvement, but I’m asking him for 1%.
“We were the second-highest scoring team in the league last season, and that’s a fact. So, a 1% improvement is all we want from Keletso…”
Tinkler added: “So, he should not see that as pressure. If you’re a professional footballer aiming to achieve greatness and reach new heights, you must do it repeatedly and consistently, as that will take you to the highest places you deserve. You don’t want to be a one-season wonder.”
Sekhukhune commenced their 2025/26 season with a 3-2 win over TS Galaxy in the MTN8 quarter-final tie at the New Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane last Saturday night. Makgalwa played for 76 minutes in this encounter and provided an assist in the process.
As a result, Babina Noko will take on Stellenbosch FC in the semi-finals of the MTN8.
RELATED STORY: Sekhukhune United firm on Keletso Makgalwa amidst Nabi interest