Brandon Truter on outsmarting Eric Tinkler as Sekhukhune bounce back

With Babina Noko also involved in the CAF Confederation Cup, where they advanced to the second round this month after their Eswatini rivals Young Buffaloes pulled out due to finances, suddenly Sekhukhune looked a bit stretched. 

But the win over Cape Town City on Wednesday night went some way in helping Truter silence the noise. 

A goal from leading striker Chibuike Ohizu got the job in a DStv Premiership fixture the coach described as a duel of wits.   

 “Very tactical battle,” Truter said as his side finally returned to winning ways after defeats to Orlando Pirates (5-0) and Moroka Swallows (2-1). 

“We came here not to lose and we managed to snatch it – by abandoning our high press because we knew City could play through us. But we went to sit in a mid-block and followed them wide, then turned the possession over to bring the counter from there. I am happy with the tactical discipline and the effort they gave as well.” 

Next up for Babina Noko is Richards Bay, a team that has gone 19 games without a win since January against Marumo Gallants, who were eventually relegated to the Motsepe Foundation Championship.

The Natal Rich Boys, now coached by Kaitano Tembo and lost 1-0 to title holders Mamelodi Sundowns hours before Sekhukhune beat City, are so far the overwhelming favourites to go down automatically this season. 

Truter wouldn’t show it, but he was relieved the three points moved them up the table and away from the danger zone.  

“Look, it’s a clean sheet for us and give us some confidence going into our next game. Hopefully, it will be a better performance, I am still not happy because I think we can do more. But I will take the result for the effort given. It’s a massive plus – big congratulations to the boys and the club,” he said.