Pirates hold MTN8 advantage as suspended Sekhukhune coach offers ‘blessing in disguise’

Orlando Pirates will take a 1-0 lead into Saturday’s MTN8 semi-final second leg against Sekhukhune United, with former midfielder Linda “Figo” Mntambo suggesting the absence of Sekhukhune head coach Cedric Kaze could unexpectedly benefit Babina Noko.

The second leg will be played at the Orlando Amstel Arena, after Pirates secured victory in the opening match at the Old Peter Mokaba Stadium last weekend.

Pirates are aiming to win the MTN8 for a fifth successive season after establishing a dominant record in the competition. Sekhukhune, meanwhile, must overturn a narrow deficit after failing to score in the first meeting.

Mntambo, who represented both clubs during his playing career, believes the challenge facing Sekhukhune is especially demanding because they must face the same opponents again after only a short turnaround.

“When it comes to the MTN8, I think it’s going to be tough, especially for Sekhukhune United to try and bounce back. I mean, it’s two games in the space of a few days, and they are playing the same team again – Orlando Pirates, who we all know have won the trophy four times in a row and are looking to win it for the fifth time,” Mntambo said.

The former midfielder was speaking on the sidelines of the Honor Magic V6 launch at Melrose Arch in Johannesburg on Wednesday. He also praised Pirates for coping with the arrival of a number of new players.

“One would think that Pirates would struggle with so many new players, but they have done so well,” explained the former midfielder, speaking on the sidelines of the Honor Magic V6 launch at Melrose Arch in Johannesburg on Wednesday.

Kaze’s suspension adds another layer of uncertainty to Sekhukhune’s preparations. He was shown a red card during Tuesday’s league fixture, when Sekhukhune lost 2-0 to Pirates at Orlando.

As a result, Kaze will not be permitted to operate from the touchline in Saturday’s decisive encounter. His assistants, Papi Zothwane and Paulus “The Horse” Masehe, are expected to lead the team from the technical area instead.

Mntambo believes that change could work to Sekhukhune’s advantage as they attempt to avoid a third successive defeat by Pirates.

“For Sekhukhune United, they will have to do everything they can to turn things around. And I personally think that Coach Kaze’s dismissal could be a blessing in disguise, because it might save them from losing against the same team three times in a row,” he said.

“It now puts Coach Papi Zothwane and (Paulus) ‘The Horse’ Masehe in a position to see what they can do on the touchline. Yes, Coach Kaze will also have an influence on what happens, but it’s also for them to see how they can turn things around.

“I think the assistant coaches have a good relationship with the players because they are the link between the players and the head coach. Hopefully, they can try and turn things around.

“They lost 1-0 away in Polokwane, so it’s going to be a tough ask, but football has no guarantees. While there’s still a chance for them to go through, it’s not going to be easy,” added Mntambo.

Sekhukhune must score at the Orlando Amstel Arena if they are to keep their hopes of reaching the MTN8 final alive. Pirates, by contrast, need only protect their advantage to move closer to a fifth consecutive triumph in the competition.