Watch VideoNedbank Cup: Tinkler demands sharpness as Sekhukhune United eye cup and league glory

Despite a spot in the NedbankCup quarter-finals and a four-match winning streak, the Sekhukhune United boss is demanding more “killer instinct” from Babina Noko. Dreams are both born and buried in the unforgiving theatre of knockout football, and this season’sNedbank Cuphas once again reminded South Africa why the tournament carries the romantic tag of the ‘Cup of Dreams’. As the quarter-finals approach, dreams have been shattered for some.

But forSekhukhune United, hope remains alive, with their progression to the last eight preserving their pursuit of a maiden trophy.Babina Noko have had to roll up their sleeves throughout this campaign. While their opponents so far have come from lower divisions, there has been nothing routine about their progress. But forSekhukhune United, hope remains alive, with their progression to the last eight preserving their pursuit of a maiden trophy.

Babina Noko have had to roll up their sleeves throughout this campaign. Each round has demanded patience, resilience and just enough quality in decisive moments. Their slender 1-0 triumph over a spirited University of Pretoria side was another reminder that cup football rarely offers comfort, but instead demands constant survival.

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Theperformances in the opening two roundsmay not have fully convinced, yet the opportunity to script a defining chapter in the club’s history remains firmly within reach, with the added incentive of securing qualification for next season’s Caf Confederation Cup further raising the stakes. But as the competition progresses and many of the favourites have been eliminated, Sekhukhune will need to understand that small improvements won’t be enough — they will need sharper execution and greater command if they are to establish themselves as genuine contenders. Memories of their run to the final two years ago still linger. On that occasion, they lost narrowly 2-1 to Orlando Pirates, leaving silverware just out of reach but earning a taste of continental football in the Confederations Cup as Nedbank Cup runners-up, since Pirates had already secured a Champions League spot.

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