Sekhukhune United hold off AmaZulu fightback to reach MTN8 semi-finals

Sekhukhune United head coach Cedric Kaze said he was relieved to see his side reach the MTN8 semi-finals after surviving a dramatic second-half fightback from AmaZulu at Chatsworth Stadium on Sunday afternoon.

Babina Noko secured a 4–3 victory over Usuthu in a thrilling contest that appeared to be under their control for long periods. The Limpopo outfit built a 3–1 advantage in the second half and looked set to progress comfortably.

AmaZulu, however, responded with two goals to level the match and put Sekhukhune’s place in the last four in serious doubt. Kaze’s side managed to restore their lead before holding on during a tense closing period, with the hosts continuing to threaten on several occasions.

The result left Kaze grateful to have emerged with victory after watching his team surrender what had looked like a commanding two-goal advantage. The Sekhukhune United coach admitted the rapid changes in the game had tested his emotions, joking that the situation had almost caused him a heart attack.

“Let me just take the win, let me just take the win because I almost felt that I was going to have a heart attack with the situation of the game changing so quickly when we are up 3-1 and you feel that you have got the game in your hands,” said Kaze.

The coach acknowledged that football matches can change direction quickly, particularly in knockout competition, where a team’s control can disappear in a matter of minutes.

“But, you know, things change very quickly in a football game. But it’s a cup game and that’s how they say that the dreams of cup games are like this.

“I’m very happy today that we could go through.”

Sekhukhune United’s victory means they have advanced to the semi-finals of the MTN8, while AmaZulu were eliminated after their late fightback ultimately fell short.

The match was played as part of the Betway Premiership and local football coverage, with Sinethemba Sithole reporting on the contest on 9 August 2026.

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