Sekhukhune have conceded eight goals since the start of the campaign; an issue the coach believes needs urgent attention as they look to maintain their progress in the league and challenge for honours.

The victory over Gallants lifted Babina Noko to sixth place on the standings, with 14 points from eight matches. However, Zothwane believes their defensive organisation must improve if they are to turn positive results into sustained success.

“You win matches, and you win championships by not conceding a lot of goals,” Zothwane told reporters.

“We have to work on that. We have worked on our defensive structure, but we just have to stay in the game even when we are tired. We need to stay focused because some of the teams we play against have technically gifted players.”

The coach also emphasised the need for his players to remain disciplined throughout matches, warning that allowing opponents to exploit their pace and gain momentum could prove costly.

“We can’t allow them to use their pace and find momentum in the game because they will punish you. We will work on that ahead of our next games against Richards Bay and other teams like Milford, so that we can improve our goal difference,” he added.

Zothwane will have an immediate opportunity to build on his team’s recent league success when Sekhukhune host Richards Bay FC in the opening round of the Carling Knockout at the New Peter Mokaba Stadium on Sunday.