Babina Noko started the new Betway Premiership season with two wins from their opening two games, seeing off both Orlando Pirates and TS Galaxy 1-0, after a 3-2 MTN8 quarter-final win over the Rockets.
Tinkler's new-look side appeared to have settled quickly and come up against a Stellies team that beat AmaZulu 3-2 in their quarter-final clash but have since lost 2-0 to Kaizer Chiefs and drawn 1-1 with Chippa United in their most recent encounter.
Speaking ahead of the first leg encounter, the Sekhukhune coach said, in the Sowetan: "My record against them is not brilliant.
"Hopefully, we can go there and not only change my fortunes against them but also Sekhukhune's, in terms of trying to reach the MTN8 final.
"[Stellies have been] an excellent team over the past few seasons, and [have] surprised many with the performances that they have put on and where they finished in the league.
"It's not going to be an easy game. They're a very difficult team to play, especially at Danie Craven, where they get a very good support, versus when they play at Athlone or Cape Town stadiums.
"It is a team that is built for counterattack. They are a team that looks to capitalise on your few mistakes. So, we have to be at our best.
"Maybe my approach in this game has to be slightly different. A lot of the goals they score come from transitional play, which they are extremely good at."
The race for a place in the MTN8 final heats up this weekend as Orlando Pirates, Mamelodi Sundowns, Stellenbosch, and Sekhukhune United battle for first-leg supremacy in the semi-finals.
Stellenbosch FC are gearing up to host Sekhukhune United in a high-stakes first leg of the MTN8 Cup semifinals at Danie Craven Stadium on Saturday, with kick-off slated for 18:00.
Cape Town City have snapped up Njabulo Ngcobo following his Sekhukhune United exit.
Orlando Pirates will be looking to extend their MTN8 winning streak against Mamelodi Sundowns in their first leg semi-final at Orlando Stadium on Saturday.
