Sekhukhune United coach Eric Tinkler admits his side will have to be at their best to overcome a very strong Stellenbosch side in their MTN8 semi-final clash.
Babina Noko started the new Betway Premiership season with two wins from their opening two games, seeing off both Orlando Pirates and TS Galaxy 1-0, after a 3-2 MTN8 quarter-final win over the Rockets.
Tinkler’s new-look side appeared to have settled quickly and come up against a Stellies team that beat AmaZulu 3-2 in their quarter-final clash, but have since lost 2-0 to Kaizer Chiefs and drawn 1-1 with Chippa United in their most recent encounter.
Speaking ahead of the first leg encounter, the Sekhukhune coach said, in the Sowetan: “My record against them is not brilliant.
“Hopefully, we can go there and not only change my fortunes against them but also Sekhukhune’s, in terms of trying to reach the MTN8 final.
“[Stellies have been] an excellent team over the past few seasons, and [have] surprised many with the performances that they have put on and where they finished in the league.
“It’s not going to be an easy game. They’re a very difficult team to play, especially at Danie Craven, where they get a very good support, versus when they play at Athlone or Cape Town stadiums.
“It is a team that is built for counterattack. They are a team that looks to capitalise on your few mistakes. So, we have to be at our best.
“Maybe my approach in this game has to be slightly different. A lot of the goals they score come from transitional play, which they are extremely good at.”