Kaze relishes early reunion with Ben Youssef as Sekhukhune face Durban City opener

Cedric Kaze says Sekhukhune United’s Betway Premiership opener against Durban City is an ideal chance to “put aside” his first reunion with former co-coach Khalil Ben Youssef and instead showcase both clubs’ pre-season work.

Kaze and Ben Youssef, who previously shared the dugout as co-coaches at Kaizer Chiefs and earlier in Tanzania, will oppose each other for the first time since going their separate ways when Sekhukhune host Durban City at Seshego Stadium in Polokwane on Saturday.

Speaking at the official launch of the Betway Premiership at The Venue in Houghton on Wednesday, the Sekhukhune United coach said the fixture provides a timely stage to measure their preparations for the new campaign.

Praise for league organisers

Kaze opened his remarks by applauding the competition’s organisers and sponsors, saying the environment they have created allows clubs to operate at a higher level of professionalism.

“I would like to commend the stakeholders of the league, Betway and the PSL, for the amazing organisation of the league,” Kaze told the media.

“You have set the standards very high, which allows us to work in a very professional environment. We can now set the standards high for each member of our club, from the top down. Thank you very much for the standard you have set. I would say it’s probably a good thing that the first game is against Durban City, so we can put that aside very early.”

Personal reunion secondary to club ambitions

The Burundian-born coach acknowledged the significance of going up against Ben Youssef, given their long-standing professional relationship. The pair not only worked together at Kaizer Chiefs but also previously collaborated in Tanzanian football.

Despite the personal subplot, Kaze was keen to stress that the focus must remain on the teams and their performance rather than the two men in the technical areas.

“I appreciate that it’s going to be a very entertaining game, and I wish the best team wins. I anticipate the fans will enjoy the football. It’s time for each of us to show what we have been preparing during the pre-season.

“It’s not going to be a game between two persons – it’s going to be a game between Sekhukhune United and Durban City, and we hope it will be an entertaining one,” Kaze concluded.

Opening-day test at Seshego Stadium

Sekhukhune United will have home advantage at Seshego Stadium in Polokwane as both sides seek to translate their pre-season work into an immediate statement in the Betway Premiership.

The meeting offers Durban City’s Ben Youssef a first competitive test against a team led by his former colleague, with both coaches looking to establish momentum at the start of the league campaign.

While the reunion narrative will draw attention, Kaze underlined that, for the players and supporters, Saturday is primarily about performance, points and setting the tone for the season ahead.