Sekhukhune United head coach, Eric Tinkler, discusses balancing league and cup challenges this season.
The 55-year-old addressed the media ahead of his side’s Carling Knockout clash with Lamontville Golden Arrows at King Zwelithini Stadium on Saturday [18:00].
The Carling Knockout will mark the third competition that Tinkler’s side is participating in this season, following the recently concluded MTN 8 and the ongoing Betway Premiership.
Tinkler shared insights on how he and his team manage the demanding fixture schedule.
“So, a lot of what you’re now providing to the players is just feedback, vocal feedback, and obviously try and show them post-match analysis of where we made our mistakes,” said Tinkler.
Babina Noko’s upcoming match against Abafana Bes’thende represents their third game in just eleven days, and they've managed to gather only one point from the six available, as they aim to get back to their winning ways.
“It’s far easier to work on those aspects of our game [attack] on the field of play during the training sessions, but when games are coming thick and fast, it becomes difficult to apply those situations. We spoke about it at the beginning of the season,” Tinkler remarked, reflecting on the team's recent goal struggles.
Additionally, Tinkler clarified Tshepo Mashiloane's dual role on the squad, highlighting that the 23-year-old can play both centre back and right back.
“So, he’s a carbon copy of Matsimbi because Matsimbi was a centre back at Black Leopards, and now I’ve turned him into a right back. He can play both,” Tinkler explained.
Mashiloane joined Sekhukhune on a season-long loan from Orlando Pirates to fill the gap left by Matsimbi, who incurred a long-term injury earlier this season.
“He wasn’t really on our radar in the beginning. He actually played against us when we faced Pirates [in our first game of the season]. That was my opportunity to see how he played,” Tinkler added.
Tinkler will look to Mashiloane and his teammates to reignite their momentum against Mngqithi’s in-form Arrows side.
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