Kaze calls for attacking improvement as Sekhukhune face MTN8 comeback task

Sekhukhune United coach Cedric Kaze says his team must adopt a more positive and purposeful approach after a 1-0 defeat by Orlando Pirates left them needing to overturn a first-leg deficit in the MTN8 semi-final.

The Buccaneers secured victory at Old Peter Mokaba Stadium on Saturday through Deon Hotto’s second-half goal, putting Sekhukhune under pressure before the return fixture at the Orlando Amstel Arena on Saturday.

Kaze’s main frustration was not simply that his side lost, but that they failed to create enough danger in attack. Pirates goalkeeper Sipho Chaine was rarely seriously tested, as Sekhukhune struggled to turn possession into clear opportunities in the final third.

“It’s a game I think we started defensively well, but I will say that we didn’t have the right intentions and convictions to go forward,” said Kaze at the post-match press conference.

The coach believes Sekhukhune showed more ambition after half-time, although their execution in the decisive areas remained below the required standard.

“In the second half, we tried to rectify this with better intentions and a positive mindset going forward as well. I would say that we lacked a little bit of composure in the final third.”

The result means Babina Noko must win away from home to keep their hopes of reaching the MTN8 final alive. Kaze, though, remains convinced the tie is still within his team’s reach.

“I believe we still have 90 minutes to come out on top and we will do everything to get it done.”

Before the decisive cup meeting, the two sides will face each other again in the Betway Premiership on Tuesday. That league fixture gives Kaze an immediate opportunity to assess how Sekhukhune can handle Pirates and identify the changes needed for the second leg.

However, another meeting also gives Orlando Pirates a chance to apply further pressure to the same weaknesses exposed in the opening match.

“Yeah, obviously we are going away at a disadvantage in the second leg. But if you want to win something, those are the moments you have to go through,” Kaze said.

“It’s up to us to come with strong mindsets and a strong belief that we can reverse the situation.”

The two matches will be played within five days, leaving Kaze with limited time to reshape his side’s attacking performance. Sekhukhune will need to show greater conviction in possession, improve their composure close to goal and create a much greater threat than they managed in the first leg.

The opening encounter saw Ellis Rammala of Sekhukhune United FC challenged by Lebone Seema of Orlando Pirates at Old Peter Mokaba Stadium, but it was Hotto’s finish that ultimately separated the teams.

With Orlando Pirates holding a one-goal advantage, Sekhukhune’s route to the final now depends on producing a stronger response in Soweto.