Tinkler named new Sekhukhune United coach

Eric Tinkler has been confirmed as the new Sekhukhune United coach, replacing Lehlohonolo Seema, and will be thrown into the deep end on Wednesday for his debut when they take on Marumo Gallants away in Bloemfontein.

Seema was fired last week and Kaitano Tembo and Paulus Masehe appointed as caretaker coaches for the weekend’s Nedbank Cup quarterfinal against Mamelodi Sundowns that eventually did not take place because of a botch-up over the stadium booking at Atteridgeville

On Monday, Sekhukhune said Tinkler would take over and he has arrived with former left-back and free-kick specialist Marc van Heerden as his assistant while Masehe will stay on but Tembo departs.

It is a quick return to the game for the 1996 Africa Cup of Nations winner, who was sacked by Cape Town City in December.

Tinkler, 54, has taken charge of 354 matches in the South African top flight from his first job as caretaker at Wits University in 2007. He also coached Orlando Pirates, SuperSport United, Chippa United and Maritzburg United with two cup successes and a second place finish in the league with City in the 2021-22 season.

Tinkler takes over with Sekhukhune sitting fourth in the Betway Premiership standings, only behind third-placed Stellenbosch on goal difference.

After their Wednesday visit to Bloemfontein, Sekhukhune are home to Stellenbosch in Polokwane at the weekend, while still awaiting a date to play their cup quarterfinal against Sundowns.

When they come back after the international break, Sekhukhune will fly to Cape Town to take on Tinkler’s old side on 6 April.