Sekhukhune United have moved swiftly to cut ties with head coach Eric Tinkler and his assistant Mark van Heerden, and here’s what’s next.
Tinkler’s departure comes despite ending his tenure with a 1-0 win over Magesi FC. However, that result followed a five-match winless streak in the league, reportedly causing the club’s hierarchy to lose confidence. The failure to secure silverware also weighed heavily.
Sekhukhune’s elimination from the Nedbank Cup at the hands of Milford FC in the quarter-finals proved a turning point. The former Cape Town City FC coach had been tasked with achieving both a top-three finish and a domestic trophy at the start of the season.
Babina Noko’s run leaves the club in fifth place, four points behind Kaizer Chiefs, who have two games in hand. The current situation puts Amakhosi, who have won four successive games, on course for a berth in a CAF interclub competition next season.
The coaching changes come amid a broader restructuring of football operations. Sekhukhune recently appointed Walter Steenbok as Director of Football Strategy, who works closely with McDonald Makhubedu, the Sporting Director, to drive a long-term vision at the club.
The two are expected to play a key role in the search for a permanent head coach over the coming weeks.
WHO TAKES CHARGE OF SEKHUKHUNE UNITED’S REMAINING SIX MATCHES
Meanwhile, Paulus Masehe has been appointed to lead the team on an interim basis. The former Free State Stars midfielder is tasked with overseeing Babina Noko’s pursuit of a strong finish, working alongside Andre Arendse. Arendse, formerly SuperSport United’s assistant coach, had been brought in to work with Tinkler.
Masehe, who has been part of the club’s technical structure, will now lead Babina Noko through their final six fixtures of the campaign as they aim to salvage a top-three finish.
His immediate task will be a clash against Stellenbosch FC in Cape Town, as he looks to steady a side that has struggled for consistency this season. The Betway Premiership fixture against Stellies is set for Friday.
Thereafter, they host Marumo Gallants on Saturday, 25 April, before travelling to East London to face Chippa United early in May.
A crucial clash against Kaizer Chiefs, a direct rival in the race for a top-three finish, will follow before winding up the season with matches against Richards Bay and Siwelele FC.
With pressure mounting, Masehe’s mandate is to finish the season strongly enough to keep Sekhukhune in continental contention.
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