Brandon Truter changed Sekhukhune atmosphere says Linda Mntambo

Only DStv Premiership log leaders Mamelodi Sundowns have collected more points than Babina Noko since the FIFA World Cup break.

Truter, who replaced Kaitano Tembo, has certainly had an effect according to Mntambo. 

"I think the first thing is the respect between the coaches and the players and the atmosphere has changed. When a new coach comes in, everyone wants to give their best to prove to the coach that they're worthy of playing," he said.

Sekhukhune have managed six wins in nine league matches under Truter, who is getting the best out of the current crop. 

"Players that weren't playing want to raise their hands, players who were playing want to keep their spot in the team and that's what's happened. There's healthy competition within the team. The good thing is the team absorbed all the information that coach came up with, his philosophy, his playing style and it showed with the results," he added.

With rival teams blowing hot and cold, a Top 8 spot or even a runners-up spot is possible.

"First four or five games we got positive results about 12 points and that was a huge boost for us. Moving from bottom of the log, not that we are safe, we still need to pick up points but that's what he's brought in within the team," Mntambo explained.

Mntambo says Babina Noko will have to be consistent in the remaining 10 games considering the thin margins on the log standing. 

"If you look at the log and not check the points, you might think you are safe because you are on position five but if you lose two games, you go to 15 which is bottom of the log. So, it's quiet a tricky log ever since. I remember one log where before it would be the winners fighting until the last game to win the trophy. But now I think it's going to go down to people fighting for their lives until the last game," he concluded.