Soccer
Tinkler appointed as new Sekhukhune United head coach─── MORGAN PIEK 10:03 Tue, 11 Mar 2025
The Polokwane-based Premier Soccer League team has appointed former Bafana Bafana defensive midfielder Eric Tinkler as their new head coach.
This comes less than a week after the legendary former Bloemfontein Celtic and Orlando Pirates captain, Lehlohonolo Seema, was dismissed from the role.
Seema was shown the door last week, with former SuperSport United coach Kaitano Tembo appointed as interim head coach for the upcoming Nedbank Cup quarter-final against Mamelodi Sundowns. However, the match never took place due to a double booking at the Lucas Moripe Stadium in Atteridgeville.
Marc van Heerden. Photo: Sekhukhune United
Tembo appears not to be part of the club’s plans regarding their new-look technical team.
Earlier this year, Tinkler – an icon of South African football – parted ways with Cape Town City FC and was linked with a move to Sekhukhune United. On Monday, the club confirmed his appointment, with Tinkler taking over with immediate effect.
“Sekhukhune United Football Club is pleased to announce the appointment of Eric Tinkler as head coach. He will immediately take the reins and lead the team,” the club said in a statement.
‘Best be described as a forward-thinking leader’
“Tinkler is an accomplished football coach with over 30 years of experience in the game. He holds UEFA and CAF A licences, along with numerous other prestigious coaching badges.
“The new head coach is no stranger to success, having previously won the MTN8 and Telkom Knockout tournaments while also reaching multiple finals in the CAF Champions League, CAF Confederation Cup, and other domestic competitions. His highest league finish was second place.
“Eric can best be described as a forward-thinking leader who is ready to take an ambitious team like Babina Noko to new heights. Speaking on this appointment, club chairman Simon Malatji said: ‘We are honoured to have an experienced mentor like Tinkler in charge of our project.’
Abdeslam Ouaddou. Photo: Morgan Piek
“Head coach Eric Tinkler will be assisted by Paulus Masehe, Marc van Heerden, and Nascent Nkhwashu (goalkeeper coach) in a new-look technical team.”
Tinkler faces a tough baptism of fire as he prepares his side for an away fixture in Bloemfontein against relegation-threatened Marumo Gallants. While Gallants are battling to avoid the drop, the appointment of Abdeslam Ouaddou has brought immediate success.
Ouddaou began his tenure with a sensational 2-0 victory over Orlando Pirates but suffered a narrow 1-0 defeat to Stellenbosch FC a few days later. However, Gallants bounced back over the weekend, edging Durban City FC 4-1 on penalties in Chatsworth to secure a spot in the Nedbank Cup semi-finals.
Wednesday’s clash between Marumo Gallants and Sekhukhune United at the Dr Petrus Molemela Stadium will kick off at 19:30.
