Sekhukhune retain their core squad, say goodbye to Sangare ahead of new season

Sekhukhune United would have been disappointed to miss out on continental football after finishing fourth in the Betway Premiership last season. But Ba Bina Noko appear content with their current squad and are opting for continuity ahead of the new campaign.

The club, which plays their home matches at the Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane despite being based in Bedfordview, Johannesburg, have extended the contracts of five key players as they look to remain among the top performers in the elite league.

Captain Linda Mntambo and vice-captain Daniel Cardoso have both signed new deals after their contracts expired at the end of June — a clear indication that Sekhukhune are looking to build around the veteran leadership of the 35- and 36-year-olds respectively.

Also staying on are Chibuike Ohizu, Tresor Tshibwabwa and Vusimusi Ncube, who will all be central to coach Eric Tinkler’s ambitions of turning Sekhukhune into a top-three side and returning to continental competition. The club previously featured in Africa after reaching the Nedbank Cup final.

However, there is one notable departure. Ivorian international goalkeeper Badra Ali Sangare has left the club following the expiry of his contract at the end of June. The 2021 Africa Cup of Nations winner had been a key figure for Sekhukhune since joining in 2022, playing a vital role in their rise as a competitive outfit.

The club confirmed his exit on Tuesday morning with a heartfelt message:

“(Tuesday) we say goodbye to our shot-stopper, Badra Ali Sangare, who joined Babina Noko on July 1, 2022. Your safe hands, big saves and fearless heart made us proud every time you stepped on the pitch.

“Our name echoed across the whole of Africa when you collected your coveted gold medal as an African champion. You’ll always be part of this family. We wish you nothing but success in your next chapter.”

Sekhukhune will also be hoping their next chapter is smoother than the last. The club endured a season of instability, cycling through four coaches.

They began the campaign with German tactician Peter Hyballa, only to fire him before he had even taken charge of a match — just a day before their MTN8 opener against Cape Town City.

MacDonald Makhubedu stepped in briefly, followed by the reappointment of Lehlohonolo Seema, who had been sacked the previous season. Seema's second stint was also short-lived, and he was replaced by Tinkler late in the season.

Despite the disruption, Sekhukhune finished in a strong position, and with greater stability now in place, Tinkler will be aiming for a stronger, more consistent showing.

They kick off the new campaign with an MTN8 quarter-final clash against TS Galaxy in the second weekend of August — and Tinkler will be pleased to have both his captain and vice-captain at his disposal as they look to mount a serious challenge.