Sekhukhune United ready to capitalise on congested Mamelodi Sundowns fixture list

Sekhukhune United coach Eric Tinkler believes the demanding schedule facing Mamelodi Sundowns could yet have a significant impact on the Premiership title race as the campaign moves into its decisive stages.

Sekhukhune remain firmly in contention for the league crown. While both Orlando Pirates and Sundowns established an early lead at the top of the table, Babina Noko — along with the likes of Kaizer Chiefs — remain very much in the conversation, especially with key fixtures against the leading sides still ahead.

A run of difficult results before the international break slowed Sekhukhune’s momentum and allowed the frontrunners to create some separation. 

However, Tinkler insists the race is far from decided. Sundowns’ recent 2-1 victory over Pirates may have extended their advantage at the summit, but it also highlighted the physical toll their congested schedule is beginning to take.

“I don’t think the league is over yet, in my view,” Tinkler said.

“With the little bit I saw of the Pirates and Sundowns match, Sundowns players were cramping — and why is that? 

“The hectic schedule they have will, somewhere along the line, start to affect them. Now it’s going to be about whether teams can take points away from them. 

“Are they beatable? Yes, they are. But you can’t deny the quality they have in their team. Pirates are a lot closer and will still have a lot to say about where the title goes.”

Sundowns are competing on multiple fronts, including continental football, and the intensity of that workload could open the door for chasing teams to capitalise. Tinkler believes consistency from the rest of the pack will be key if the gap at the top is to be reduced.

While the league campaign remains finely poised, attention now turns to the Nedbank Cup, with Sekhukhune preparing to travel to face University of Pretoria as they chase progression in the knockout competition.

The Limpopo-based outfit are still searching for their first major trophy. In recent seasons, the club has shown growing ambition through calculated recruitment and steady improvement on the pitch. Their performances over the past two campaigns suggest a team building toward sustained success.

With a lot of promise this season despite some inconsistencies, Tinkler maintains that several so-called “midfield” teams will influence the destination of the league title with his side included.

“Ourselves, Kaizer Chiefs, AmaZulu and TS Galaxy will have something to say about it,” he added.

“The gap will be a lot tighter. It won’t be as big as it was in previous seasons. My target at the start of the season was 54 points. 

“Sekhukhune as a club have only achieved 48 points before, which was last season when they finished fourth. From 48 to 54 might not sound like a lot, but in my view that would be progress — even if we do not finish third.”

“I firmly believe that reaching 54 points will put us in the top three. Achieving that tally would show we are moving in the right direction and closing the gap on Sundowns. That’s how I approach the league — every game, I go in believing we can win.”