Will Sundowns run away with PSL title? Eric Tinkler gives his verdict

Sekhukhune United head coach Eric Tinkler believes the PSL title race is still wide open, identifying his own team, AmaZulu, Kaizer Chiefs, and TS Galaxy as key contenders who could influence the final outcome.

Currently sitting in third place, Sekhukhune United, are just six points adrift of league leaders Orlando Pirates. With 36 points still available, Tinkler’s squad has the potential to reach 68 points, far exceeding his initial season target of 54.

Speaking to the media during a Nedbank Cup press conference, Tinkler asserted that the championship is not yet decided and pointed to the demanding schedule faced by reigning champions Mamelodi Sundowns as a potential factor.

Mamelodi Sundowns players celebrate Brayan Leon's goal against Orlando Pirates. Image - Mamelodi Sundowns — Mamelodi Sundowns players celebrate Brayan Leon’s goal against Orlando Pirates. Image – Mamelodi Sundowns

“I don’t think the league is over yet,” Tinkler stated as quoted by iDiski Times. “I saw players cramping from Sundowns. And why is that? It’s the hectic schedule that they have, and somewhere along the line, that’s going to affect them.”

Tinkler warns Sundowns over tight race

While acknowledging Sundowns’ formidable quality, Tinkler emphasised that they are not invincible. He dismissed the idea that their late victories are merely luck, attributing them instead to their inherent talent and winning mentality.

“Are they beatable? Yes, they are. But you can’t deny the quality that they have,” he explained. “I don’t see it as luck. I think it’s the quality that they have. That’s why they win… It’s the quality that they possess.”

Orlando Pirates players celebrate Sipho Mbules goal in the Nedbank Cup. — Orlando Pirates players celebrate. Photo: Orlando Pirates

Tinkler sees a more competitive league this season, with several clubs closing the gap on the perennial champions.

“I think Pirates is a lot closer, and I think Pirates will still have a lot to say about it,” he noted. “But I think ourselves, Chiefs, AmaZulu, TS Galaxy, we are also going to have something to say about it. I think it’s going to be a lot tighter. The gap is not going to be as big as it was in previous seasons.”

Sekhukhune coach reveals target

Tinkler makes claim about Mngqithi's Sundowns after Mokwena's exit — Eric Tinkler – Photo by Cape Town City

The coach also reflected on his personal targets for Sekhukhune, aiming to surpass the club’s previous best points tally of 48. He believes achieving 54 points would signify significant progress, regardless of their final league position.

“My target points-wise was 54 points,” Tinkler revealed. “I firmly believe that with 54 points, you’ll be in the top three… To have achieved that points tally means we’re moving in the right direction. We’re looking to close that gap between ourselves and Sundowns.”

Thapelo Morena of Mamelodi Sundowns against Sekhukhune United — Sekhukhune United vs Mamelodi Sundowns. Image: Mamelodi Sundowns

With a crucial league match against Sundowns on the horizon, Tinkler remains focused on his ambitious approach, targeting maximum points from every fixture.

“Every game I go into, I want to win. Maybe that’s my biggest downfall,” he admitted. “That first league game is against Sundowns, so I have to go into that game thinking, ‘I need the three points against Sundowns.’ It’s as simple as that.”