Sekhukhune United approach this weekend’s Nedbank Cup last 32 with a clear sense of mission. Head coach Eric Tinkler has confirmed that this competition has been a priority for the club since the start of the season.
The Limpopo-based side faces Highbury FC, a team from the Motsepe Foundation Championship. While the opponent comes from a lower division, Tinkler’s ambitions remain high.
A Path to Redemption
For Babina Noko, the Nedbank Cup carries significant weight. The club reached the final in the 2022–23 campaign. They narrowly lost 2–1 to Orlando Pirates.
That remains the closest the club has come to lifting a major trophy. Tinkler is now looking to go one step further. According to iol.co.za, the coach openly admitted his desire for silverware.
“I set this competition as a target at the start of the season,” Tinkler stated. His focus is on achieving tangible success for the club.
Strategic Importance of the Cup
The focus on the cup is a calculated move. Sekhukhune United currently sit fifth in the Betway Premiership. They are six points behind the leaders, Orlando Pirates.
While they are competitive in the league, the gap makes the Nedbank Cup the most realistic path to silverware. It also provides a direct route to CAF interclub competitions next season.
Tinkler is wary of the “giant-killer” narrative often found in knockout football. He has warned his players against dropping their intensity. He wants his squad to raise their levels rather than underestimate lower-league opposition.
Building on Momentum
Sekhukhune enters this fixture with positive momentum. They recently completed a grueling run of four matches in 12 days. They ended that period with a victory over TS Galaxy.
Tinkler believes this resilience shows the squad is growing in maturity. In cup football, consistency and concentration are often the deciding factors.
This weekend is the first step in a campaign the club intends to take all the way. You can follow more updates on the latest football trends in our news section.