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Sekhukhune United head coach Eric Tinkler speaks at a media briefing.
SABC Sport can confirm that Sekhukhune United have parted ways with head coach Eric Tinkler, with Paulus Masehe expected to take charge for the remainder of the season.
Tinkler joined the club in March last year, replacing Lehlohonolo Seema, and guided Babina Noko to a fourth place finish – completing the foundation laid by his predecessor.
Heading into the current campaign, Tinkler had been given a clear mandate to secure a top three finish and deliver silverware from one of the domestic competitions, which is any one of the MTN8, Carling Knockout, or Nedbank Cup.
He publicly acknowledged those expectations at the start of the season.
However, Sekhukhune were unable to secure any trophies, and their league form has been inconsistent in recent weeks.
Although still mathematically in contention for a top three finish, that objective was becoming increasingly difficult with just six matches remaining.
Tinkler’s final match in charge was a 1-0 victory over Magesi FC this past weekend, but that result followed a run of five league matches without a win in the Betway Premiership – a dip in form that ultimately cost him the confidence of management.
With several of the traditional heavyweights eliminated early from the Nedbank Cup, Sekhukhune appeared well-positioned to challenge for silverware.
However, their hopes were quashed in the quarter-finals by Milford FC, a result that intensified scrutiny on the technical team.
The club has also recently restructured its football operations, appointing Walter Steenbok as Director of Football Strategy to work alongside Sporting Director McDonald Makubedi.
Masehe will oversee the team for the remaining fixtures, while assistant coach Mark van Heerden has also been relieved of his duties.
Sekhukhune are expected to begin the process of identifying a permanent head coach in the coming weeks.
