Sekhukhune United boss Cedric Kaze demands response after Orlando Pirates defeat

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

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

Sekhukhune United, also known as Babina Noko, struggled to impose themselves against the Buccaneers at Old Peter Mokaba Stadium. Kaze said his team appeared to play with fear and expects a significant improvement when the clubs meet again in the league.

“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.”

Deon Hotto scored the only goal before half-time, giving Orlando Pirates a narrow advantage to take into the second leg. Kaze remains confident Sekhukhune United can change the outcome, but says his players must take responsibility for the challenge ahead.

“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 demanding schedule will see the teams play three matches in one week, placing additional pressure on the players’ physical and mental condition.

“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.”

Midweek league fixtures

All midweek matches will start at 19:30.

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

Wednesday’s fixtures include Arrows against Stellenbosch at King Zwelithini, Sundowns against AmaZulu at Loftus Versfeld and Polokwane against Milford at Old Peter Mokaba. Bay host Chiefs at Princess Magogo.

The league meeting between Orlando Pirates and Sekhukhune United will provide an immediate rematch following the MTN8 semi-final first-leg result, while the return fixture on Saturday will determine which side reaches the final.