Sekhukhune United and Cedric Kaze in talks over early mutual separation

Sekhukhune United and head coach Cedric Kaze are in advanced discussions over a possible mutual separation, just two months after the Burundian joined the Betway Premiership club.

The development follows growing reports that the relationship between Kaze and Sekhukhune’s management has deteriorated. A reliable source close to the situation has confirmed that negotiations are under way between the coach and the Babina Noko hierarchy over ending his time at the club.

The discussions come days after Kaze was sent off during Sekhukhune’s Betway Premiership meeting with Orlando Pirates last Tuesday. His team were already 2-0 behind when the coach was dismissed late in the match, which ended in defeat.

Kaze had become involved in a confrontation with fourth official Akhona Makalima over delays in processing substitutions. Referee Philangenkosi Khumalo subsequently followed Makalima’s recommendation and ordered the Sekhukhune coach from the technical area.

He was then suspended for Saturday’s second leg of the MTN8 semi-final against Orlando Pirates at the Orlando Amstel Arena, where Sekhukhune suffered another heavy defeat, this time losing 3-0.

Although he was not permitted to take his place on the bench, Kaze was seen sitting in the commentary area alongside members of the club’s analysis team. His demeanour appeared relaxed, despite the circumstances surrounding his absence from the technical area.

The latest developments come after reports that the relationship between Sekhukhune and the former Young Africans coach had broken down. It is understood that the situation is not primarily linked to the team’s results, but instead to issues behind the scenes that have contributed to the strained relationship.

Sekhukhune have lost three consecutive matches against Orlando Pirates, but their overall start to the campaign has been respectable. The Limpopo club are seventh in the league table, with six points from four matches.

The club will return to Betway Premiership action on Saturday evening when they host TS Galaxy at the Old Peter Mokaba Stadium. Kaze is due to serve the remainder of his suspension and would therefore be unable to sit on the bench for the match if he remains Sekhukhune’s head coach.

The outcome of the negotiations between Kaze and the club could determine whether he remains in charge for that fixture or leaves the post before the weekend.