'It's crucial we don't drop our level', says Sekhukhune boss Eric Tinkler ahead of Nedbank Cup clash

Babina Noko are enjoying a productive season in fifth place on the Betway Premiership standings and will be eager to add a strong cup run to their campaign after making it to the quarter-finals last term.

Tinkler's charges were undone by Mamelodi Sundowns in extra-time where Jayden Adams grabbed a 119th minute winner.

Highbury are currently in 11th place on the National First Division standings and beat Kruger United 3-1 in their regional final.

Speaking after overcoming TS Galaxy 1-0 in the league at the weekend, Tinkler said his team need to maintain their level against their lower league opponents.

"We are going to take this game as seriously as we would playing against an NFD team," he said on IOL.

"The way we will apply ourselves in this game is going to be the most important factor.

"What happens is that players tend to drop their level [after a win], and the main message that I have been sending to them over the past couple of days is that we cannot drop the level; we need to raise it. 

"We are coming off four difficult matches in the space of 12 days, ending that difficult period with a good win.

"Now we have to build on that. We had the opportunity to see Highbury in a couple of games; their brand of football is different from the Premiership one.

“Effort and the intensity in the game are a must. We've got to come with the energy because the quality alone won't get you the results.”