Sekhukhune United’s campaign to finish in the top three bracket of the Betway Premiership this season will be put to the test when they face Orlando Pirates and Magesi FC within a short space of three days.
The Limpopo side are currently on top of their football, having bagged 10 points out of the possible 16. This after Eric Tinkler’s troops won three matches, drawing one and losing two. All happened in their last six matches to secure themselves the third spot on the log with 41 points.
Their real mammoth test lies ahead, starting from tomorrow, where they have a tricky away match at the Orlando Stadium. There, they face the destructive Orlando Pirates, who are chasing the league title. And that is before they could take on crosstown-rivals, Magesi FC in a Limpopo Derby on Saturday at the Peter Mokaba Stadium. The two sides have met nine times since 2021. Pirates is enjoying the upper hand with six victories. While United got the better of the Soweto giants twice while the other match ended in a draw.
Main concern for Tinkler
Tinkler replaced Lehlohonolo Seema as United’s coach before he could bring his own assistant, Marc van Heerden. The latter was brought in to work along Paul Masehe. Tinkler said of concern: “It is lack of enough penetration and the ability to keep the ball by the players. Something which can help the club to stand against any opponents if properly worked on.”
Against Magesi this coming Saturday, it is obvious that it’s going to be the battle for Limpopo’s dominance. And apart from that, both sides are aware of the positive impact of winning this match. For United, victory will strengthen their top three finish. This will also give them the ticket through to CAF Confederations Cup. As for Magesi, three points will mean more chances enhanced for the top eight finish.
In the other Betway Premiership matches, log leaders Mamelodi Sundowns will play-host Richards Bay. This will be at the Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Pretoria. Stellenbosch FC will be welcoming Chippa United at the Danie Craven Stadium in Stellenbosch. Kick-Off for all the matches is 7.30pm.
