Sport

New signings tipped to power Sekhukhune United's PSL campaign

Premiership

Obakeng Meletse|Published

AS it happened at Cape Town City, Eric Tinkler begins preseason with a slew of new players at his disposal. | BackpagePix

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Sekhukhune United have acted swiftly in the current transfer window, making strategic signings that reflect their ambition to remain among the Premiership’s elite and return to continental competition in the upcoming season.

Babina Noko has established itself as one of the more consistent sides in the top flight. Despite parting ways with head coach Lehlohonolo Seema midway through last season, they continued pushing for a top-three finish. 

fter Tinkler took over, their campaign saw them narrowly miss continental qualification, with Stellenbosch FC claiming third place late in the season.

The Limpopo-based club has been one of the most active outfits in the transfer market, and their recent additions appear carefully targeted to address specific weaknesses from the previous campaign and also get their attention fully on taking charge of the journey back to the continental space.

Here, we will highlight their three standout signings and assess how each could shape Sekhukhune’s 2025/26 campaign.

Miguel Timm – stability in the midfield

Orlando Pirates midfielder Miguel Timm in action FILE—Former Orlando Pirates midfielder Miguel Timm in action. Photo: Shaun Roy/BackpagePix

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Experienced midfielder Miguel Timm brings composure and tactical awareness to Sekhukhune’s engine room. The former Orlando Pirates player didn’t necessarily fall short in performance but found himself edged out of regular minutes due to a surge of good talent at the Buccaneers.

Timm now arrives at Babina Noko with a strong pedigree. He was part of Jose Riveiro’s silverware-laden squad at Pirates, contributing to domestic cup success and gaining continental experience.

His presence is expected to bolster the Limpopo-based outfit's midfield defensively and in transition, adding maturity and leadership in crucial phases.

Timm will bring the added advantage of being used to constant expectations, and he might thrive being a part of a side with slightly lesser expectations but huge ambitions to succeed.

Bradley Grobler — proven goal threat

Bradley Grobler has scored six goals this season. Bradley Grobler. BackpagePix

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Even with an impressive 39 goals scored across 28 matches last season, Sekhukhune have opted to sharpen their attack by bringing in seasoned striker Bradley Grobler. His signing not only adds quality finishing but also brings invaluable experience to the front line.

The 37-year-old forward has struggled with injuries over the years, but when fit, he remains one of the most clinical strikers in South African football. 

If he stays healthy this season, he could easily reach double figures in goals. Grobler joins from the recently sold Supersport United, and he carries an impressive career tally of 121 goals. 

Sphiwe Mahlangu — Tactical flexibility

Sphiwe Mahlangu of TS Galaxy and Siphamandla Nzuza of Durban City duel during their Nedbank Cup clash. Photo: BackpagePix

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Sphiwe Mahlangu joins Sekhukhune from TS Galaxy, bringing with him versatility, pace, and attacking creativity. Able to operate on either wing and influence build-up play, Mahlangu provides Tinkler with much-needed depth in wide areas and also as an option as a forward.

The former Highlands Park attacker had a solid 2024/25 season, playing in all of TS Galaxy’s league matches and helping them to a fifth-place finish. Across 131 Premiership appearances, he has registered 14 goals and 10 assists. With his proven ability to impact games and consistent top-flight experience, Mahlangu is likely to hit the ground running in his new colors.