Kaze says Vandala substitution was tactical after 20-minute cameo

Sekhukhune United head coach Cedric Kaze says Mcedi Vandala’s early withdrawal was a tactical decision after the winger spent only 20 minutes on the pitch as a substitute.

The 31-year-old was introduced in the 50th minute, replacing Thato Khiba, as Sekhukhune United attempted to alter their shape and adopt a more attacking approach.

However, Vandala’s involvement ended shortly afterwards when he was substituted for Karabo Tlaka. The decision came around 20 minutes after his arrival and surprised many observers, creating an uncomfortable moment for the player.

Kaze said the change was made because the performance and influence he had expected from Vandala had not materialised.

“It was a tcatical decion from us, form me and I hope we work it out, the way I wanted him to perform and the impact I wanted from him is not what I wanted to see,” he said when asked byiDiski Times.

The substitution meant Vandala was unable to make the attacking contribution Kaze had been seeking when he sent him on in the second half. The coach had brought the winger into the game as part of a change in approach, but ultimately decided to make another alteration before the match had progressed very far after the initial switch.

For any footballer, being taken off soon after entering a match can be an embarrassing experience. That is particularly true when the player has been introduced with the expectation of helping the team become more dangerous in attack.

Kaze, though, described the decision as tactical rather than indicating any other reason for Vandala’s removal. His comments suggest the coaching staff were dissatisfied with the level of performance and impact produced during the short appearance.

Vandala joined Sekhukhune United earlier this month after completing a transfer from AmaZulu. His time at AmaZulu lasted only six months, having moved to Durban after being lured there from Magesi.

The winger’s move to Sekhukhune United therefore came soon after his arrival at AmaZulu, and his latest appearance was one of his early opportunities to contribute for his new club. Instead, the match was marked by an unusually short spell on the field after he had been selected to help reshape the side.

Kaze’s explanation provides the club’s account of an incident that drew attention because of the timing of the substitution. Vandala was brought on to support a more attacking plan, but was then replaced by Tlaka before he could complete a lengthy second-half appearance.