Linda Mntambo: Sekhukhune United done being nearly men

Babina Noko have been nearly men in the PSL having run the usual suspects close in the title race as well as domestic cups only to fall behind when it matters most – leading to a change of coaches or player exodus. 

They’ve followed an almost similar process in the transfer market by offloading and roping in new faces, but this time Eric Tinkler continues as the head coach. 

Speaking ahead of their MTN8 quarterfinal tie against TS Galaxy on Saturday night, Mntambo says Sekhukhune have capacity to improve. 

"Challenging for honours this season because there's been continuity within the club. Just getting to understand the coach's philosophy from last season to now. I think having a six week preseason where we actually worked on a lot of things, tactically and just individually with the coach trying to improve us as players and collectively as a club,” Mntambo said.

“So, I think we are just on the right track, still have two more days to plan properly and prepare well for TS Galaxy and yeah, hopefully this becomes our successful season where we get to win honours."

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While some might view Babina Noko as always on the fringes, Mtambo argues they have often been a team “on the rise”. 

"Like you said, we've always been on the brink, the past seasons at some point we lost in the Nedbank Cup final, we've qualified for interclub football but nonetheless we've been a team that's always been on the rise you know,” he added.

“The past seasons in the MTN8 we've always bowed out in the first round and hopefully this season we can just get past the first hurdle which is TS Galaxy and take our season from there. 

“We've had a good preseason where a lot of foundation has been laid, that can help carry us throughout the season. No complaints, no injuries, full squad, complement of the full squad for the coach for Saturday's evening game against TS Galaxy."