Cedric Kaze returns as Kaizer Chiefs seek response against Sekhukhune United

Kaizer Chiefs will look to put their MTN8 exit behind them when they face Sekhukhune United at FNB Stadium on Wednesday, with former coach Cedric Kaze returning to Johannesburg as the visitors’ manager.

Kaze was part of the Kaizer Chiefs technical team last season before leaving at the end of the 2025/26 campaign. He now returns to face his former club after making a strong start with Sekhukhune United.

The Burundian coach has already guided Sekhukhune to a league victory over Durban City and an MTN8 win against AmaZulu, a result which secured their place in the semi-finals. His side also began their Betway Premiership campaign with a victory and will hope to maintain their perfect start.

Kaizer Chiefs, by contrast, are seeking an immediate response after their MTN8 hopes were ended by Golden Arrows at FNB Stadium on Sunday. The defeat was particularly disappointing after Amakhosi returned to the competition following a two-year absence.

Defender Reeve Frosler acknowledged the setback but said the team must quickly turn its attention to the next challenge.

“Losing the MTN8 game was not ideal but we’ve got to pick ourselves up for the next one, another chance to go out there and do what we need to do and try and get a positive result,” said Frosler.

Chiefs opened their Betway Premiership campaign with an impressive 3-1 win against newly promoted Kruger United. Wandile Duba scored twice after coming on as a substitute, while Flavio Da Silva also got on the scoresheet.

Frosler said the priority was to continue improving rather than allowing the cup defeat to disrupt the club’s league ambitions.

“We are disappointed but we’ve got to look forward to Sekhukhune and then another big game at the weekend but focus and the next one and improve what we need to,” he said.

The match is the second of three fixtures Kaizer Chiefs are playing in six days, creating an additional challenge for Fernando Da Cruz as he manages his squad.

Da Silva’s involvement is uncertain after the coach revealed the forward suffered an injury in training. Ethan Chislett was rested for the match against Golden Arrows as Chiefs monitored the players’ workload.

New signing Langelihle Phili made his debut in that game, although Da Cruz indicated the winger is not yet fully fit and will need to be managed carefully.

That situation could be important with Mamelodi Sundowns waiting for Chiefs at the weekend. The club must balance the need to recover key players with the importance of maintaining momentum in the league.

For Kaze, Wednesday’s fixture offers the chance to use his knowledge of the Kaizer Chiefs squad in pursuit of another significant result for Sekhukhune United. The visitors will arrive with confidence after their promising opening results under their new coach.

Chiefs will hope their familiarity with FNB Stadium can work in their favour as they attempt to respond to Sunday’s disappointment. Both teams won their opening Betway Premiership fixtures, but the pressure is greater on Amakhosi to avoid allowing their MTN8 elimination to overshadow what had been an encouraging start to the league campaign.

A victory would give Kaizer Chiefs renewed momentum before their meeting with Mamelodi Sundowns and provide a positive answer to the defeat by Golden Arrows.