Tinkler expecting his players to give more against Sundowns

Sekhukhune United head coach Eric Tinkler is calling on his players to contribute more as they prepare to face Betway Premiership leaders Mamelodi Sundowns at the New Peter Mokaba Stadium on Tuesday, 27 January. Kick-off is at 7:30pm CAT (SA, GMT+2).

Current form:

Babina Noko have yet to register a win in the new year after suffering a 1-0 defeat to Stellenbosch on January 20 and playing out to a 0-0 draw with title rivals Orlando Pirates four days later.

Tinkler's side have dropped down to fifth place after picking up just six points from their last five matches and they're now three points off the summit, having played one game more than the Brazilians.

The Limpopo outfit were the frontrunners at one stage before a six-match winless run between September and November saw them start to lose ground to Sundowns and Pirates.

Bafana Ba Style kicked off 2026 with a 2-0 victory over Orbit College on January 19 which took them back to the top of the table and they stayed there after the Buccaneers dropped points last weekend.

Miguel Cardoso's side will be looking to build momentum in the second half of the season after not quite hitting their stride in the final five months of 2025.

Masandawana have lost just one of their opening 14 fixtures, but they've drawn five of those which means that they're leading Pirates on goal difference alone, with the two teams tied on 29 points.

What was said:

Sekhukhune United head coach Eric Tinkler

"If you collect maximum points, you get to a really good position. It's been about reiterating that message to the players and they must understand that today for example, some of their contributions were not enough.

"My expectation and the club's expectation is more than what they are giving, so that'll be the focus over the next couple of days."

🚨NEXT MATCH🚨

🆚 @Masandawana
🏆#BetwayPrem
🏟️ New Peter Mokaba Stadium
📅 Tuesday | 27 January 2026
🕐 19:30
📺 SS

Noko, remember to pull off your best look and stand a chance to win big, in the Betway SIBONISE & Win competition.❤️🤍🖤

Remember tickets are available for… — Sekhukhune United F.C. (@SekhukhuneFc) January 26, 2026

Players to watch:

Sekhukhune United - Bradley Grobler has been a key figure for Babina Noko following his arrival from SuperSport United in the off-season, scoring six goals in 14 league appearances. Five of those came in a run of four consecutive games, although the goals have dried up since then as the 38-year-old striker hasn't found the back of the net in his last six outings. He is still just one goal behind top scorer Junior Dion in the race for the Golden Boot.

Mamelodi Sundowns - Arthur Sales has begun to make more important contributions for Downs in the wake of Lucas Ribeiro's departure, bagging the winner against TS Galaxy on November 5 and opening the scoring to set up their win over Mswenko Boyz most recently. The 23-year-old winger was also on target in the 2-2 CAF Champions League draw with Al Hilal on January 23 and Cardoso will be hoping he can kick on now.

Head-to-Head: (Last Five Betway Premiership Matches)

Matches - 5

Sekhukhune wins - 0

Sundowns wins - 5

Draws - 0