Kaze explains 20-minute Vandala substitution in Sekhukhune United defeat

Sekhukhune United head coach Cedric Kaze said Mcedi Vandala’s early withdrawal in the 2-0 Betway Premiership loss to Kaizer Chiefs was a tactical decision, after the winger was substituted only 20 minutes after coming on at the FNB Stadium on Wednesday.

The 29-year-old replaced Tshepo Mokoane in the 60th minute as Sekhukhune attempted to recover from a two-goal deficit. But with 10 minutes of normal time remaining, Kaze made another change, replacing Vandala with Lehlohonolo Mojela.

The decision surprised some spectators, given that Vandala had spent only a short time on the pitch. Kaze, however, said the substitution was based on the performance and influence he wanted from the player at that point in the match.

“It was a tactical decision from us, from me, and I just hope that we work it out, because the way I wanted him to perform and the impact that I wanted to see from him is not what I was seeing,” Kaze told the media after the match.

The appearance came during the early part of Vandala’s return to Sekhukhune United. His proposed move to AmaZulu did not materialise, allowing him to rejoin Babina Noko and resume his career with the club.

Vandala had already made an impact since returning. He came off the bench in the 72nd minute of Sekhukhune’s MTN8 meeting with AmaZulu and provided the assist for Vuyo Letlapa’s stoppage-time winner.

That contribution helped Babina Noko claim a dramatic 4-3 victory and secure a place in the MTN8 semi-finals, where they will face Orlando Pirates. Despite being given limited minutes, Vandala’s return had therefore begun with an important attacking contribution.

His introduction against Kaizer Chiefs represented another opportunity to influence a match, although his evening ended much sooner than expected. Kaze’s explanation indicated that the change was linked to the tactical demands of the game rather than being a definitive assessment of Vandala’s longer-term prospects at Sekhukhune United.

The defeat left Sekhukhune with the immediate task of responding in their next fixture. Vandala will hope to move beyond the disappointment at the FNB Stadium and continue rebuilding his momentum after returning to the club.

Babina Noko are next scheduled to face Polokwane City in the Limpopo derby at Seshego Stadium on Saturday. That match will provide Vandala with another potential opportunity to contribute as Sekhukhune seek a response following their defeat by Kaizer Chiefs.