Tinkler demands defensive discipline despite Sekhukhune's MTN8 triumph

Sekhukhune United emerged victorious over TS Galaxy in a thrilling MTN8 quarter-final encounter, but head coach Eric Tinkler remained concerned about his side’s defensive vulnerabilities.

Despite a spirited second-half comeback at the Peter Mokaba Stadium that saw Sekhukhune clinch the win and advance to the semi-finals, Tinkler candidly admitted his disappointment at the defensive lapses that led to two first-half goals.

“We worked quite extensively during pre-season to bring down the number of goals conceded,” he said. “Unfortunately, two silly mistakes ended up costing us two goals.”

The match was a dramatic affair, with Sekhukhune trailing 2-1 at half-time after a series of errors at the back undermined an otherwise dominant first-half display.

“It’s always difficult when a team is 2-1 up and concedes just before half-time,” Tinkler noted. “It puts you in a precarious position going into the break.”

But Sekhukhune showed character in the second half. Tactical adjustments made at half-time paid off as they pressed forward with renewed purpose and netted two crucial goals.

“The changes we made worked well,” said Tinkler. “I think we dominated the game in the second half and deserved the two goals that we scored.”

Reflecting on the overall performance, Tinkler highlighted the need to learn from defensive mistakes — particularly in set-piece situations — and reiterated that execution had let them down despite solid preparation.

“We made the players aware that the threat would come at the far post,” he said, referencing one of the goals conceded. “It’s about learning from those mistakes and fixing those problems.”

While his post-match critique was pointed, Tinkler praised the resilience and commitment shown by his players under pressure.

“We are into the next round, which was our objective going into this game,” he added. “Now we must build on this and improve.”

Tinkler said signs of progress from pre-season were evident.

“We got a little more of what we worked towards,” he said. “You do six weeks of pre-season, and it’s hard to gauge whether the players are truly ready.”

He also admitted the squad showed signs of early nerves during the warm-up.

Sekhukhune face an even sterner test this weekend when they begin their Premier Soccer League campaign against last season’s runners-up, Orlando Pirates, at Orlando Stadium.

Their tactical discipline and adaptability will be tested to the limit, particularly in midfield — an area expected to dictate the rhythm of the match. Tinkler’s men will need to exploit any gaps in Pirates’ imposing defensive unit if they hope to leave Soweto with points in hand.