Sekhukhune United chairman dismisses talk of Cedric Kaze departure

Speaking exclusively to KickOff, Sekhukhune United chairman Jonas Malatji has rejected reports that head coach Cedric Kaze could leave the club before the end of the week.

Kaze’s position has reportedly come under scrutiny after Sekhukhune suffered three successive defeats by Orlando Pirates this season. The losses came in two MTN8 matches and one Betway Premiership fixture, prompting speculation that the Limpopo-based club was considering ending its association with the Burundian coach.

However, Malatji has dismissed the claims and indicated that Sekhukhune remain committed to Kaze.

“Nah, they are talking nonsense,” says Malatjie, speaking to this website. “There is nothing like that.

“We’re still very much behind the coach.”

The chairman’s comments appear to rule out an imminent change in the dugout, despite reports suggesting that Kaze could be dismissed before the week is over. His assistants, Papi Zothwane and Paulos Masehe, had been expected to take temporary charge if the club and Kaze reached an agreement to end his tenure.

Kaze, 46, was nominated for the 2025/26 PSL Coach of the Season award and has made a reasonably positive start in the league. Sekhukhune have collected six points from their opening four matches and currently sit seventh in the table.

Malatji’s response also focused on that record, with the chairman suggesting it would make little sense to sack a manager who has won two of the club’s first four Betway Premiership games.

The uncertainty surrounding Kaze follows a difficult run against Orlando Pirates. Sekhukhune have been beaten by the Buccaneers in three consecutive meetings, including both of their MTN8 encounters and their league match.

Kaze holds CAF A and German Football Association A coaching licences. Despite the recent defeats, he remains in charge for Sekhukhune’s next fixture.

Babina Noko are due to face TS Galaxy at Peter Mokaba Stadium on Saturday. No change to the coaching staff has been confirmed, with the club chairman publicly backing Kaze ahead of that match.