Kaze challenges Sekhukhune United to show greater belief against Orlando Pirates

Sekhukhune United manager Cedric Kaze has called for a stronger response from his players after their “below-par” display in Saturday’s 1-0 MTN8 semi-final first-leg defeat by Orlando Pirates.

The two sides will meet twice more in the space of five days, beginning with a league fixture at Orlando Stadium on Tuesday before returning to the same venue on Saturday for the semi-final second leg.

Kaze felt Sekhukhune United played with fear against the Buccaneers and believes they must show greater confidence if they are to recover from the first-leg deficit and keep their hopes of reaching the MTN8 final alive.

Deon Hotto scored the only goal before half-time at Old Peter Mokaba Stadium, giving Orlando Pirates a narrow advantage to take into the return fixture.

“Yeah, obviously we are going away at a disadvantage in the second leg, especially away, but if you want to win something, those are the moments you have to go through,” Kaze told the media during the post-match press conference.

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

Kaze said Sekhukhune United would approach the remaining 90 minutes of the tie determined to overturn the result, while also acknowledging the physical demands of a congested schedule.

“The most important thing is that we have 90 minutes to play, and it is up to us to maximise the chances and take the situation hands-on,” he said.

The coach also highlighted the challenge of managing three matches in one week, with Tuesday’s league meeting coming before the decisive MTN8 fixture on Saturday.

“It’s three games in one week, so there are a lot of components that come into play. The physical side, the physiological side of those games. One is a league game, and the other is the second leg of the semifinal.

“You need to twist some things as well as make some adjustments in terms of rotations because today [Saturday] was very hard, it was very hot and you could see the players were a bit heavy.

“But we’ve got to do what it takes to go into those two games in better shape.”

The midweek league matches will all begin at 19:30.

On Tuesday, Gallants face Galaxy at Royal Bafokeng, while Orlando Pirates host Sekhukhune United at Orlando Stadium. Kruger play Durban at Mbombela, and Siwelele meet Chippa at Free State.

Wednesday’s fixtures see Arrows take on Stellenbosch at King Zwelithini, while Sundowns host AmaZulu at Loftus Versfeld. Polokwane play Milford at Old Peter Mokaba, and Bay meet Chiefs at Princess Magogo.

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