Sekhukhune United look to turn the tide after back-to-back losses

Sekhukhune United burst out of the blocks this season, but recent challenges now cast a shadow over their early brilliance, and they must rediscover the spark that set them alight before their campaign heads further off course.

Babina Noko will have the chance to redeem themselves when they turn their focus to their Betway Premiership clash against a struggling Richards Bay FC at the New Peter Mokaba Stadium on Tuesday evening (kick-off 7:30pm).

Currently on a two-match losing streak, Sekhukhune still have the chance to put their campaign back on track and regain momentum ahead of the upcoming international break.

Under Eric Tinkler, the Limpopo-based outfit started the season like a team on fire—unbeaten in their first eight league matches and full of confidence. However, even with that strong start, their cup form told a different story. 

They missed out on MTN8 qualification and later crashed out of the Carling Knockout in the Round of 16. The 3-1 loss against Golden Arrows in that tournament seemed to trigger an unwanted run of poor results, as they went on to lose two more matches immediately thereafter.

While Arrows have proven to be a formidable side under Manqoba Mngqithi, it was Sekhukhune’s loss against neighbors Polokwane City (1-0) that handed them their first league defeat of the season. The result surprised many, especially considering the fine league form the team had shown leading into that fixture despite their cup disappointments.

Tinkler’s frustration after that match was evident. During his post-match interview, when asked how he planned to lift his players following their first defeat, he replied that he didn’t need to, insisting the team was already “fine” and “lifted.” 

His reaction seemed unnecessary, as the question was not out of context. In hindsight, a more positive response might have served him better, as Sekhukhune has not managed to win a match since and even suffered another defeat thereafter (1-0 loss against Siwelele FC).

That run has seen early-season optimism fade slightly, but there is still time for Babina Noko to regroup, particularly considering they missed a full month of action due to the international break and Carling Knockout competition. 

The squad’s quality and structure remain intact, and they now need to show the resilience that defined their early performances. While they remain in second place, one point off the top of the table, they need to find their footing again or risk their ambition of finishing among the top three coming under threat.

Their upcoming fixture provides a timely opportunity. Richards Bay have been struggling in their recent outings and arrive in Polokwane searching for consistency. For Sekhukhune, playing at home—where they remain unbeaten despite recent challenges—offers a platform to regain confidence and return to winning ways.

The Natal Rich Boyz are winless in their last three matches and come into this clash on the back of a hard-fought 1-1 draw with Polokwane City, extending their inconsistent form. This could provide an opening for Tinkler and his men to assert themselves and regain much-needed momentum.