Sekhukhune United head coach Eric Tinkler has commended Mamelodi Sundowns for their tactical discipline and adaptability following their intense Nedbank Cup quarter-final clash.
Despite the fact that his team matched Sundowns for most of the game, Tinkler acknowledged the skill and strategy of the reigning champions, particularly as the game entered extra time.
In a dramatic encounter, Sundowns secured a 1-0 victory, with Jayden Adams scoring the decisive goal in the 119th minute after a goalless 90 minutes.
The breakthrough came after a sustained period of pressure from Sundowns, with a sharp attack down the right wing by Thapelo Morena, whose close-range strike set off a frantic scramble in the box. Adams was in the right place at the right time to poke the ball home from just two meters out, sealing the win for the Brazilians.
The ex-Orlando Pirates mentor expressed his pride in his side’s performance and told iDiski Times: “To come up against a team of this quality like Mamelodi Sundowns, is never easy, for any team, obviously the planning and preparation leading up to the game was important, I think we must have a spy somewhere.
“They picked up certain things were our plans ahead of the game, looking how they structured themselves in the first half, I don’t think they done that this season, so somewhere along the lines they must have found out what we’ve done during the week.”
Tinkler added: “In the first half we had the better chances, [Renaldo] Learner didn’t have to make a save, his saves came later in the game, I thought the team was good and I was very proud, but things changes after the 60th minute, all the momentum went there way and we lost structure and shape.”
Despite the defeat, Tinkler’s remarks highlighted the resilience and determination his players showed throughout the match. The fifty-four year old mentor will be coming up against his former employers, Cape Town City, next up in the Betway Premiership. Kick off in the Western Cape is set for 17:30 on Sunday, 06 April 2025.