Eric Tinkler hails Sekhukhune ‘soldiers’ after overcoming Cape Town City

Tinkler: Photo Credit: Sekhukhune United FC media.

Sekhukhune United coach Eric Tinkler has hailed his side as soldiers after they overcame numerical disadvantage to beat his former employers Cape Town City 2-1 on Sunday in a Betway Premiership game.

Speaking to SuperSport Television, Tinkler said his side started the game well but struggled after being reduced to 10 men following Khulekani Shezi’s red carding in the 46th minute.

"In the second half, having to play for 40 minutes a man short, we were under pressure. At half time, we spoke about having to weather the storm in the first 15 minutes and once we got past that, we played better,” he said.

"When you play with 10 with all that planning goes out of the window. The boys had to work hard defensively in the second half to keep the result. In the first half, we were the better team and deserved the lead, but there is a lot of hard work needed. We came here with an understrength team, a lot of players were missing, too many changes. I don't like making changes but this was forced. However, we had soldiers out there and they needed to be soldiers.”

Cape Town City interim coach Diogo Peral faulted his team for losing 50-50 duels and not closing spaces, saying: "It becomes too easy to beat Cape Town City. We don't clear our lines and that is what happens."

Tinkler, visiting his former base for the first time since being sacked weeks ago, saw his side impose itself on the game as they led 2-0 in the opening half through goals from Samkele Sihlali and Chibuike Ohizu.

However, Sekhukhune endured a torrid start to the second half as they were reduced to 10 men after Khulekani Shezi’s red carding in the 46th minute.

With the numerical advantage, Cape Town City threatened to come back into the contest as they reduced the margin when Kayden Francis scored in the 67th minute. However, Tinkler’s men held on to bag the maximum points.

Sekhukhune boosted their top-four ambitions with the win which sees them second in the standings, 21 points behind leaders Mamelodi Sundowns. Down the table, it is looking bad for Cape Town City as only a point separates them from second-from basement side SuperSport United.