Sekhukhune United confirm Eric Tinkler exit; Replacement named

Sekhukhune United have officially confirmed the departure of head coach Eric Tinkler with immediate effect, ending a 13-month tenure at the helm of the Babina Noko ship.

While reports of Tinkler’s exit began circulating last week following his noticeable absence from the dugout against Stellenbosch FC, the club had remained tight-lipped—until now. On Wednesday, the Limpopo-based outfit broke their silence, confirming that they have reached a mutual agreement to part ways with the former Bafana Bafana midfielder.

🚨OFFICIAL STATEMENT🚨

Sekhukhune United confirms departure of Head Coach Eric Tinkler.

🦔🦔🦔🦔🦔#BabinaNoko #Adibahlabe pic.twitter.com/VRfB9WXkxL

— Sekhukhune United F.C. (@SekhukhuneFc) April 23, 2026

The Official Statement By Sekhukhune United

In an official communiqué on Thursday night, the club acknowledged Tinkler’s contribution to their recent growth:

“Sekhukhune United Football Club confirms that it has reached a mutual agreement with Head Coach, Mr Eric Tinkler, to part ways with immediate effect. The club expresses its sincere appreciation for his professionalism and commitment during his tenure.”

Alongside Tinkler, assistant coach Mark van Heerden has also vacated his post as part of a clean sweep of the previous technical leadership.

Why the Hammer Fell on Tinkler

Despite signing off with a 1-0 victory over Magesi FC, the writing was already on the wall for Tinkler. Pan-Africa Football understands that a dismal five-match winless streak prior to that win had severely eroded the confidence of the club’s hierarchy.

Furthermore, the mandate set at the beginning of the season was clear: secure a top-three finish and deliver domestic silverware. The quarter-final exit from the Nedbank Cup at the hands of lower-league side Milford FC proved to be the final straw, leaving the club’s ambitions for the season in jeopardy.

Sekhukhune currently sit in fifth place on the Betway Premiership table with 34 points. They trail fourth-placed Kaizer Chiefs by four points, with Amakhosi holding two crucial games in hand, putting the Soweto giants in the driving seat for a CAF interclub spot.

The Interim Plan: Paulus Masehe Steps Up

In the wake of the exit, Sekhukhune have moved swiftly to stabilise the technical team. Former Free State Stars stalwart Paulus Masehe has been tasked with leading the team on an interim basis for the remaining six fixtures of the campaign.

Masehe will work alongside Andre Arendse, who remains at the club after initially joining as Tinkler’s assistant.

The coaching change coincides with a major administrative overhaul at the club. Walter Steenbok was recently appointed as Director of Football Strategy, working in tandem with Sporting Director McDonald Makhubedu. This “brain trust” is expected to lead the search for a permanent successor to Tinkler over the coming weeks.

What’s Next for Tinkler?

While one door closes in Limpopo, another may be opening in KwaZulu-Natal. FARPost has established that Durban City FC are weighing up a move for Tinkler.

Despite interim coach Pitso Dladla’s heroics in guiding the 2026 Nedbank Cup finalists to sixth place, chairman Farook Kadodia has been non-committal regarding a permanent appointment. With a CAF Confederation Cup berth on the line if Durban City win the final on May 2, the club’s hierarchy is reportedly tempted by Tinkler’s vast experience and proven PSL track record.