Eric Tinkler concedes Mamelodi Sundowns depth too strong after Sekhukhune United setback

Sekhukhune United coach Eric Tinkler admitted that the depth and quality within the Mamelodi Sundowns squad proved decisive after his side suffered a damaging 2–0 Betway Premiership defeat that further dented their title ambitions.

The setback leaves the Limpopo-based outfit in fifth place on the standings, six points behind the log leaders, having played a game more than the Brazilians. 

What initially appeared to be a promising campaign, with hopes of mounting an unlikely title challenge, has now taken a difficult turn, potentially forcing Babina Noko to reassess their objectives and shift focus towards securing continental football next season.

Although the title race is far from settled, The squad depth at Sundowns — as well as at their closest challengers Orlando Pirates — makes it increasingly difficult to keep pace, let alone recover lost ground.

The loss marked Sekhukhune’s second home defeat in three matches, following last week’s setback against Stellenbosch FC (1-0). With plenty still at stake this season, Tinkler felt the match ultimately swung on the changes made by Miguel Cardoso and the quality they brought into the contest.

“Congratulations to Sundowns; they have quality that they managed to bring on from the bench,” Tinkler told SuperSport TV after the match.

“We managed to contain them for 90 minutes, but in added time we made one mistake and got punished.

“The second goal doesn’t count for much because we had to open ourselves up to try and get the equaliser, then we got caught on the counter. But for 90 minutes, defensively, our structure and organisation was very good and we had our moments in attack, but not many.”

Tinkler also pointed to the early loss of Tsepo Matsimbi as a significant disruption, forcing him into adjustments without a natural replacement available.

“We had a chance to score, but losing Matsimbi very early in the game was a massive loss because I did not have another right wing-back on the bench, and I had to make adjustments and use somebody else who hasn't played there.

“I was playing players out of position, and those players were not used to that type of movement from (Tashreeq) Matthews, (Aubrey) Modiba, (Devine) Lunga and Nuno Santos, that was what we lacked today.

“Matsimbi is clever and understands his role and has more a defensive mind, and I had to bring (Sikhosonke) Langa to the right and he is not that comfortable, I brought Bright (Ndlovu), he got a yellow and I had to move him back in.

“We looked to close it more with a couple of substitutions, but like I said, you cannot deny the quality that Sundowns has.”

Despite the result, Tinkler praised the effort of his squad and reflected positively on the contribution of new signing and former Bafana Bafana international Lebogang Phiri even though he had to substitute him.

“They tried, and they worked very hard. Phiri only arrived a few weeks ago and the fitness levels are not where they should be, but I thought he was doing well, and I couldn't take that risk because the quality he gives us is important for the rest of the season.

“It’s the same with Bradley (Grobler), I cannot afford to play him for 90 minutes every game because somewhere along the lines he will break down and we need him. The changes today affected us.”

Sekhukhune United will next face TS Galaxy at the Mbombela Stadium on Sunday, with Tinkler and his charges needing a strong response to avoid falling further behind the league leaders.