Sekhukhune United’s Zothwane encouraged by unbeaten run after difficult spell

Sekhukhune United coach Papi Zothwane believes the club has begun to recover from a difficult period that threatened to derail their season.

Babina Noko had been under pressure after being eliminated from the MTN8 and suffering three successive defeats by Orlando Pirates in cup and Betway Premiership matches. That sequence eventually resulted in Cedric Kaze leaving his position.

Zothwane, who had been serving as Kaze’s assistant, was promoted to replace him. Since taking charge, he has overseen a five-match unbeaten run, a sequence which has improved confidence and convinced him Sekhukhune are starting to move in the right direction.

The coach said morale had fallen during the club’s difficult spell, but added that work behind the scenes had helped the players overcome their uncertainty.

“We are going in the right direction, five games no loss is great for the team’s confidence going forward,” said Zothwane.

“If you are not winning games, players start to lose belief, but slowly but surely we will get to where we want to go.”

Sekhukhune’s latest result was a 3-1 victory over Richards Bay at the weekend, sending them through to the Carling Knockout quarter-finals.

The result has also strengthened the club’s determination to challenge for silverware, with Zothwane making clear that winning the competition is now one of Babina Noko’s objectives.

Their progress comes after a spell in which defeats and the MTN8 exit had raised concerns about the direction of the season. However, the unbeaten sequence under Zothwane has provided renewed belief as Sekhukhune prepare for the next stage of their campaign.

The coach said the recent results were important not only for the club’s position in the competition but also for rebuilding the confidence that had been damaged during the earlier run of losses.