Tinkler’s Babina Noko and Badela’s Chilli Boys plot new paths in Premiership

As the new Betway Premiership season kicks off, Sekhukhune United and Chippa United find themselves on very different trajectories.

Babina Noko, under the seasoned guidance of Eric Tinkler, are looking to push into the league’s upper tier, while Chippa United, once again rebuilding, hope for overdue stability under new coach Sinethemba Badela.

Both clubs face challenges — but with contrasting ambitions.

🔴⚫ Sekhukhune United

Tinkler’s troops target top-tier breakthrough

Club owner: Simon Malatji

Head Coach: Eric Tinkler

Highest ever finish: Fourth in the Premiership

Competitions participating in: Betway Premiership, Nedbank Cup, MTN8, Carling Knockout CupSilverware chances: Slim chances in domestic cup competitions, probably not in the running for Premiership honours

In the heart of Limpopo, Sekhukhune United, affectionately known as Babina Noko, host their home games at the New Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane, a venue that continues to grow in stature.

Founded in 2019 as African All-Stars, Sekhukhune’s rise has been swift. In September 2020, they acquired GladAfrica Championship status from Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila, launching their professional journey. They wasted little time, earning promotion by winning the second-tier title in 2020/21.

Now regulars in the top flight, Sekhukhune have set their sights higher. Since Eric Tinkler’s appointment midway through last season, the team has embraced a more ambitious approach. The former Bafana Bafana midfielder brings a wealth of coaching experience and a track record of delivering results.

This pre-season, Babina Noko made strategic additions to strengthen key areas in a bid to break into the Premiership’s top three. The club’s leadership believes the foundations are now in place to challenge the division’s elite.

Players to watch

• Keletso Makgalwa
• Relebogile Mokhuoane
• Katlego Mohamme

Predicted league finish: Fourth

🔵⚪ Chippa United

New-look Chilli Boys chase long-awaited stability

Club owner: Chippa Mpengesi

Head Coach: Sinethemba Badela

Highest ever finish: Sixth

Competitions participating in: Betway Premiership, Nedbank Cup and Carling Knockout Cup.

Silverware chances: None

Chippa United begin the new season with familiar uncertainty, hoping a fresh technical team can finally bring some continuity to the Eastern Cape side. The club has become synonymous with mid-table finishes and managerial instability, yet continues to survive in the top flight.

Head coach Sinethemba Badela has been tasked with lifting the club beyond last season’s 11th-place finish. He takes over from Thabo September, whose short stint ended without renewal. Badela is joined by assistant Musa Nyatama, formerly in charge at Moroka Swallows.

Together, they will try to break the cycle that has held Chippa back since their last top-eight finish in 2015/16. However, their task is complicated by off-season departures, including Sinoxolo Kwayiba and striker Bienvenu Eva Nga. Rebuilding a competitive squad remains a top priority.

The Chilli Boys are known for taking swift action when results go south. That approach has helped them maintain their Premiership status, but also contributes to a climate of pressure for any incoming coach. Badela and Nyatama will need early results to buy time—and breathing room.

There is still promise in the squad, with a few key players capable of lifting the team when in form. Much will depend on whether the new coaches can instil a consistent identity and get their signings to gel.

Players to watch

1. Azola Matrose
2. Abdoulaye Mariko
3. Stanley Nwabali

Predicted league finish: 12th