Sekhukhune United head coach Eric Tinkler believes Kaizer Chiefs will prove a formidable opponent when the league leaders meet at FNB Stadium the following Tuesday.
Tinkler praises Amakhosi's significant improvement from last season's disappointing ninth-place finish.
Both teams enter the highly anticipated clash unbeaten after five Betway Premiership matches, with identical 13-point tallies. Sekhukhune currently top the standings on goal difference, while Chiefs have captured attention by maintaining a perfect defensive record without conceding a single goal.
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Speaking exclusively to Soccer Laduma, Tinkler acknowledged the quality both teams have displayed to earn their positions at the summit of the league table.
Chiefs' Transformation Evident
"I think so. Both teams deserve to be there. The points tell the story, you know. The points tell the story, and I have watched Chiefs, you know. Chiefs are playing very, very good football in comparison to last season. So, they are going to be a very, very difficult team to beat," Tinkler told the Siya crew.
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The former Cape Town City coach's assessment reflects the remarkable turnaround Chiefs have achieved under their current management, headed by coach Nasreddine Nabi.
Chiefs' defensive solidity has been particularly impressive, with their clean sheet record through five matches representing a significant improvement from their often-porous backline of previous campaigns.
No Fear Factor for Babina Noko
Despite acknowledging Chiefs' improved form, Tinkler emphasized that Sekhukhune will approach the top-of-the-table encounter without intimidation, drawing on his philosophy of embracing pressure situations.
"One thing I have always taught my teams and my players is never show fear when you play against a big team because all the pressure is on them and not you, but on them," Tinkler told Soccer Laduma.
The mindset reflects Sekhukhune's growing confidence as a club that has established itself among the Premier Soccer League's competitive forces, refusing to be overawed by traditionally famous opponents.
Title Credentials on Display
The encounter at FNB Stadium will provide both teams with an opportunity to make an early statement about their title ambitions, with the winner likely to establish psychological momentum in what promises to be a competitive championship race.
Sekhukhune will look to prove their credentials as a team worthy to be toward the top four places on the PSL table, rather than surprise early leaders that might move lower down as the season progresses.
