Sekhukhune United hierarchy ‘fully behind’ new technical set-up under Cedric Kaze

Sekhukhune United are understood to be firmly backing their revamped technical structure, with senior figures said to be satisfied with how new head coach Cedric Kaze and Director of Football Strategy Dr Walter Steenbok are working together ahead of the 2026-27 season.

The Betway Premiership club has been the subject of recent speculation over whether the relationship between Kaze and Steenbok is running smoothly, following a significant off-field restructuring earlier this year.

However, sources with knowledge of the situation say the club’s leadership believes the new model is bedding in as planned and that there is no alarm over the early stages of the partnership.

Adjustment period viewed as normal

Individuals close to the technical department describe the current phase as a natural period of adaptation, with roles and methods still being refined as the new campaign approaches.

“It is still early days. They are getting to understand each other and how each one works. That’s normal whenever a new coach comes into a new environment with an existing football structure,” a source told the Siya crew.

Those around the club suggest that both men are in the process of aligning their approaches, with day-to-day responsibilities and lines of communication becoming progressively clearer as pre-season progresses.

Club convinced it has made ‘right appointments’

Despite the rumours circulating in football circles, the club’s hierarchy is said to remain convinced that the restructuring – and the choice of personnel to implement it – will strengthen Sekhukhune United’s long-term project.

“The feeling at the club is that they made the right appointments. Everyone understands the vision and the roles are becoming clearer as preparations continue. The expectation is that this structure will benefit the club going into the new season and beyond,” the same source added.

Insiders suggest that, rather than being distracted by outside noise, the focus within Sekhukhune United is on cohesion across all technical departments before the league season kicks off.

Steenbok tasked with long-term vision

Sekhukhune moved to reshape their football operations in March with the capture of former SAFA Technical Director Steenbok, who was appointed to oversee the club’s long-term football strategy.

His remit covers technical planning, scouting and youth development, with the intention of building a more integrated framework linking the first team and the wider football structure.

Following Steenbok’s arrival, the club then turned to Kaze to take charge of the first team after the departure of Eric Tinkler. The appointment placed Kaze at the head of the senior side while working within the broader strategy being directed by Steenbok.

Focus on alignment before league kick-off

With pre-season preparations ongoing, the emphasis inside the camp is understood to be on ensuring that Kaze’s first-team set-up and Steenbok’s strategic department are fully synchronised before the Betway Premiership begins.

Those close to Sekhukhune United insist that, despite the speculation, the working relationship between the newly assembled technical staff is following an expected trajectory for such a significant structural change.

The club is therefore pressing ahead with its pre-season programme under the new regime, confident that the revised technical structure will position Sekhukhune United to pursue its ambitions in the 2026-27 campaign and in the years that follow.