Eric Tinkler: Title race still open despite Sundowns victory

While still hopeful that Babina Noko can emerge as dark horses in the chase, Tinkler maintains that the defending champions remain the favourites to retain their crown.

Sekhukhune sit three points behind Sundowns, albeit having played two matches more, and Tinkler believes the coming weeks will provide greater clarity in what is shaping up to be a compelling run-in.

"I saw players cramping from Sundowns, and why is that? It's the hectic schedule they have, and somewhere along the line that's going to affect them. Now it's going to be about whether teams are going to take points off them. Are they beatable? Yes, they are, but you can't deny the quality that they have," said Tinkler

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Tinkler added that the eventual league winners will not be runaway leaders like the past eight years with Sundowns as champions. 

The 55-year-old revealed he is targeting 54 points for Sekhukhune, which could be enough to at least finish third on the table.

"My target, points-wise was 54. The highest number of points Sekhukhune United has ever achieved was 48 last season, when the club finished fourth. The season I finished second at Cape Town City, we had 48 points. The season I finished third, we had 53 points. But I firmly believe that with 54 points, you will be in the top three."

Tinkler’s observation is that the title holders are going to also struggle with their congested schedule, especially after reaching the CAF Champions League knockout stage next month.