Kaze fast-tracking new Sekhukhune goalkeeper Buthelezi before Durban City opener

Sekhukhune United coach Cedric Kaze says the club are accelerating the adaptation of new goalkeeper Melusi Buthelezi as they prepare to open their Betway Premiership campaign against Durban City at Peter Mokaba Stadium on Saturday (18:00).

Buthelezi, who recently arrived from Orlando Pirates after struggling for minutes last season, has been earmarked as Sekhukhune’s first-choice goalkeeper following the departure of Renaldo Learner to Kaizer Chiefs during the transfer window.

Kaze confirmed that the 26-year-old has already been installed as Babina Noko’s No 1 and explained that this was why he played extensively in the inaugural Mafori Cup at the weekend, a competition Sekhukhune went on to win.

“Buthelezi is a goalkeeper that came to us two weeks ago and he is someone who didn’t have much game time last season,” Kaze said.

“It is important to try to speed up his integration to play him with different defenders and different players to try to adapt very quickly and get him ready for the start of the season.

“That was the reason for him playing both games.”

Front-foot approach for Durban City clash

Sekhukhune open their league season against Durban City, coached by Kaze’s former co-coach at Kaizer Chiefs, Khalil Ben Youssef, adding an extra layer of intrigue to Saturday’s fixture.

Kaze outlined the proactive, attacking philosophy he wants Sekhukhune to implement this season, while stressing the need to be more ruthless in front of goal.

“We want to play on the front foot. We want to create opportunities, and we want to score goals and also defend well,” he said.

Reflecting on their performances in the Mafori Cup, Kaze admitted his main concern was a lack of cutting edge, despite the team regularly carving out chances.

“I feel like that’s the only regret I’m going with. We created so many opportunities in these two games and we could not score more than two goals.

“That’s the thing that we will address that we need to keep working on and to give the confidence to the players up front.”

Mafori Cup minutes give clarity for league start

Sekhukhune lifted the pre-season trophy after beating Magesi at Seshego Stadium, with Kaze emphasising that the real value of the tournament came from match fitness and tactical insights rather than the silverware itself.

He said the two-game run-out had given his technical team a clearer understanding of where the squad stands ahead of the Betway Premiership kick-off.

“Very interesting day and a lot of lessons learned from the two games. Also, very good minutes for everyone.

“Now we are a little bit clear on how we are going into the first game. It is good to win the cup. But the most important thing is about the game on Saturday against Durban City.”

Sekhukhune will now look to translate their pre-season progress into a strong start against Durban City, with Buthelezi’s swift integration and the team’s chance conversion likely to be key themes in the opening weeks of the campaign.