Eric Tinkler urges bravery ahead of crucial Stellenbosch MTN8 clash | OneFootball

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Tinkler calls for cutting edge in the final third ahead of Stellenboch clash

Photo: Sekhukhune United

Sekhukhune United head coach Eric Tinkler has urged his troops to make their presence felt in the final third, with their important second leg clash of the MTN8 semi-final against Stellenbosch FC on the horizon.

Babina Noko will be banking on their 12th-man as they are set to host the Cape Winelands outfit at the Peter Mokaba Stadium for the second installment of their two-legged affair after going down 2-0 in the first meeting in the mother city.

Tinkler is drawing inspiration from their comeback 3-2 victory over TS Galaxy in the quarterfinal as he has set his sights on delivering a first-ever domestic cup title to the Limpopo club, urging his charges to be more brave in attack and in possession in a bid to pip Stellies.

“Obviously we try to treat it like it’s almost the second half, 2-0 down, you saw what happened against TS Galaxy, so that becomes important. We have to take more risks in attack, we have to be a lot braver on the ball, we have to be more assertive in attack,” said the former Cape Town City mentor.

While the 55-year-old tactician is willing to go all out against the Maroons, he has cautioned his troops to be aware of Steve Barker’s team against the run of play, with the Cape club possessing several speedy players in their ranks.

“But you mustn’t be stupid, you must be clever. You know they are going to try to hit you on the break and on the counter attack. Your work ethic has to be really high, and your concentration level has to be very high, but you need to be positive to be able to go out there and look to get that early goal,” he added.

“You know a 2-1 lead is never a comfortable lead for the team that finds themselves in that lead position. So, if you get an early goal that will put a lot of pressure on them and obviously it will motivate us even more to want and go to get the equalizer.