Tinkler's caution: Sekhukhune United must not underestimate Golden Arrows

A less experienced coach might approach a match against a team he has only recently beaten with a sense of complacency ~ perhaps even bordering on cockiness.

- MATSHELANE MAMABOLO

After all, when you've earned maximum points against an opponent just a few days ago, logic suggests you should be able to repeat the feat, right?

It stands to reason then that Sekhukhune United should be favour-ites to win their Carling Knockout first-round clash against Golden Arrows this weekend. Ba Bina Noko beat Abafana Bes'thende 1-0 in Polokwane on September 20 and will make the trip down to Durban confident of securing a place in the quarterfinal draw.

Yet listening to Eric Tinkler at the competition's media conference in Bryanston on Thursday, you'd have sworn Sekhukhune were preparing to face a bogey side.

It could well have been gamesmanship, as local football’s most famous redhead talked up Arrows’ chances.

But then again, Tinkler is a realist - an experienced campaigner who knows never to take anything for granted. As he looked ahead to tomorrow’s clash, he cautioned his team against thinking they simply need to show up for the game to be won.