Sekhukhune United's Eric Tinkler isn't backing down after his praise for Mamelodi Sundowns sparked a social media stir. Photo: Itumeleng English Independent Media
Image: Itumeleng English Independent Media
Sekhukhune United coach Eric Tinkler has defended his praise for Mamelodi Sundowns' depth, saying he’s not sucking up to them, but is stating facts.
Last week, Sekhukhune lost 3-1 to Sundowns in the Betway Premiership away from home, with Tinkler reserving some special praise for the Brazilians after the match.
“All three goals came from our mistakes and giving away possession cheaply,” Tinkler said at the time. “Against the quality that they have, you are going to be punished. Two of the goals were of high quality and not easy goals. Top corner goals. You’ve got to give them credit for the quality that they have.”
Tinkler’s comments received a backlash on social media, with critics lamenting that he did not know how to plan for Sundowns’ downfall, which is why he was praising them.
The former Bafana Bafana defender, speaking during the pre-match press conference ahead of their Nedbank Cup quarter-final clash with Milford at Peter Mokaba Stadium on Saturday (6pm), revealed that he wasn’t aware of the critics as he’s not on social media due to “trolls.” But he reiterated that he plans for Sundowns, though it’s been hard to match them.
“Can they go and check my track record (against Sundowns) please?” said Tinkler of the backlash, referring to a time he also stopped Sundowns from an invincible season after beating them in the last game of the campaign while still at Cape Town City.
“I have beaten Sundowns. In every game I play against Sundowns, I play to beat Sundowns,” Tinkler said. “But the harsh reality is that you have to identify the quality that they have – it’s a fact.
“I am not making up things. So, I don’t really care what people think I say. This is my profession. This is my job.”
Amid the backlash, Tinkler was involuntarily supported by former Sundowns coach and current Golden Arrows coach, Manqoba Mngqithi, who echoed a similar sentiment, stating: “I believe that Sundowns have what it takes to win the league due to the belief and depth within the team.” Sundowns also beat Arrows 2-1 on Wednesday night, extending their winning streak to six games in the league as they continued with their title charge.
*Mihlali Baleka is Independent Media's senior football reporter and a panelist on the group's soccer podcast, The D-Line, which is exclusive on our YouTube channel The Clutch