Tinkler’s impact rewarded as Sekhukhune reap the benefits of bold coaching call

A few years back, I was reading through a sports report where a coach, who had just been sacked from a job with a team he’d had plenty of success with in the past. However, with the team’s form dipping, the club owners cut the strings and dismissed the manager.

I was a trifle disturbed, as I had associated that coach with that team, the two fit together, in my mind, like a hand in glove.

But something the coach said helped me adjust to the crushing blow.

“We coaches are used to the revolving door. It’s the nature of our jobs. If we don’t bring wins the bosses have the right to let us go. It’s nothing personal, it’s the business side of the game of football.”

I always have this thought in my head when I read about coaches seemingly dancing around the maypole.

Anyway, all that aside, I was glad to see Eric Tinkler land on his feet again, after parting ways with Cape Town City last year after a long stay at the club.

You see, when Sekhukhune United appointed Tinkler as head coach on March 10, 2025, the objective was clear: secure a top-three finish and book a spot in next season’s CAF club competitions. 

At the time, Babina Noko sat fourth on the Betway Premiership table with 31 points from 20 games – respectable, but not enough to guarantee continental football. The pressure was on Tinkler to elevate a squad that had finished seventh the previous season and to do it quickly.

Fast forward six weeks, and the gamble has paid off.

Under Tinkler’s leadership, Sekhukhune went unbeaten through April, registering wins over Cape Town City (2-1), Polokwane City (2-0), and Orlando Pirates (1-0), while earning a hard-fought 1-1 draw against TS Galaxy. 

The turnaround not only reignited their top-three hopes but also earned the club and its key figures individual recognition.

On top of all this, Tinkler was named Betway Premiership Coach of the Month, affirming the immediate impact he’s had since taking over. It was a statement return for the former Cape Town City coach, who had been without a job since his December dismissal but had long been linked with Sekhukhune each time the club stumbled.

Joining him in the winner’s circle was midfielder Keletso Makgalwa, who clinched the Player of the Month award. Makgalwa, instrumental during the team’s unbeaten run, scored once and assisted another in three matches, helping steer the club’s attack with calm authority.

His performance edged out stiff competition – including his own teammate, goalkeeper Renaldo Leaner, who conceded just two goals across four matches, and Stellenbosch FC’s Sanele Barns, who also enjoyed a standout month.

While Sekhukhune dominated the awards, the Goal of the Month honour went to Kaizer Chiefs forward Glody Lilepo. His strike in a 2-1 loss to Marumo Gallants on April 26 stood out among some eye-catching efforts, beating out goals from TS Galaxy’s Kamogelo Sebelebele and Richards Bay’s Thulani Gumede.

For Sekhukhune United, the accolades reflect more than just individual brilliance – they point to a team peaking at the right time. Tinkler was hired to deliver results, and with momentum on their side and confidence surging, Babina Noko are beginning to look like a side that could not only secure a top-three finish, but also make serious noise in continental football next season.