sportskeeda
Eric Tinkler, the manager of Sekhukhune United, has provided insights into the demanding challenge of balancing league and cup performances this season, while also addressing Tshepo Mashiloane’s role within the squad.
The veteran coach, 55, addressed the media ahead of his team’s Carling Knockout fixture against Lamontville Golden Arrows at King Zwelithini Stadium on Saturday [18:00].
This Carling Knockout represents the third tournament in which Tinkler’s squad is competing this season, following the recently finished MTN 8 and the ongoing Betway Premiership.
Tinkler shared his approach to managing the tight fixture schedule with his team.
“A lot of what we provide the players is simply feedback, vocal feedback, and we aim to show them post-match analysis to pinpoint where we fell short,” Tinkler remarked.
Babina Noko’s match against Abafana Bes’thende will be their third within eleven days, having secured only one point from the six available, as they aim for a victory.
“It’s significantly simpler to concentrate on those aspects of our game [attacking] during training, but as matches pile up, it becomes tough to apply those practices; however, we noted this at the onset of the season,” Tinkler reflected on his team’s recent struggles in offense.
The coach further clarified Tshepo Mashiloane’s role, indicating that the 23-year-old is versatile enough to play both center back and right back positions.
“He’s quite similar to Matsimbi, who was a center back at Black Leopards, and I’ve shifted him into a right back role. He can handle both positions,” Tinkler explained.
Mashiloane joined Sekhukhune on a season-long loan from Orlando Pirates to fill the void left by Matsimbi, who suffered a long-term injury earlier this season.
“Initially, he wasn’t on our radar. He actually played against us when we faced Pirates [in the season opener], which allowed me to evaluate his abilities firsthand,” Tinkler added.
With the hope for a resurgence, Tinkler is relying on Mashiloane and his teammates to help restore their momentum against Mngqithi’s strong-performing Arrows side.
