Sekhukhune United are reportedly on the verge of terminating the contract of head coach Cedric Kaze following a turbulent start to the 2026/27 Betway Premiership campaign.
The Burundian tactician, who was officially unveiled as the Babina Noko mastermind just weeks ago on July 3, 2026, has seen his future at the club thrown into immediate jeopardy after a string of disappointing results and touchline controversies.
The decision by the club’s hierarchy comes in the wake of three consecutive defeats against domestic rivals Orlando Pirates, a disastrous run that has seemingly broken the management’s confidence in Kaze’s ability to guide the Limpopo-based side to their season objectives.
The Orlando Pirates Nightmare
Kaze’s short-lived reign at Sekhukhune United hit an insurmountable roadblock in the form of Orlando Pirates.
In the space of just seven days, Babina Noko faced the Buccaneers three times across domestic competitions and came out empty-handed on every single occasion, failing to score a single goal while shipping several.
The nightmare began in the Betway Premiership, where a tactical mismatch saw Sekhukhune succumb to a disappointing league defeat.
However, the situation deteriorated rapidly when the two teams clashed in the two-legged semi-finals of the MTN8 cup competition.
After suffering a narrow 1-0 defeat in the first leg, Sekhukhune United collapsed completely in the return fixture at the Orlando Amstel Arena, capitulating to a resounding 3-0 drubbing.
The 4-0 aggregate elimination from the MTN8 was a bitter pill to swallow for the club’s management, who had high hopes of challenging for early-season silverware.
The manner of the exit, coupled with the team’s apparent lack of identity and cutting edge upfront, forced the leadership to review Kaze’s position ahead of schedule.
Touchline Drama Compounds WoesBeyond the poor technical displays on the pitch, Kaze’s disciplinary conduct on the touchline further alienated him from the club’s leadership.
During the heated Betway Premiership fixture against Orlando Pirates, the Burundian tactician was shown a straight red card following an aggressive confrontation with the fourth official.
This suspension forced Kaze to watch the crucial MTN8 semi-final second leg from the grandstands, leaving assistant coach Paulus Masehe to steer the ship from the technical area.
The lack of senior leadership on the bench during their most critical match of the young season left a sour taste in the mouths of the Sekhukhune board, who viewed the incident as an avoidable distraction that compromised the team’s chances.
High Expectations, Quick Fallout
Kaze arrived at Sekhukhune United with a strong reputation in South African football.
Having previously served as an assistant coach at Kaizer Chiefs under Nasreddine Nabi, he was viewed as a sharp tactical mind capable of building on Sekhukhune’s consecutive top-five finishes.
Upon his arrival, Kaze signed a one-year contract with an option for a two-year extension, boldly issuing warnings to rival clubs that Babina Noko would be a force to be reckoned with.
However, the transition from an assistant role to the hot seat proved unforgiving. Kaze was tasked with managing a heavily reshaped squad following the off-season departures of veteran pillars such as former captain Linda Mntambo, Bradley Grobler, and Thabang Monare.
While assistant coach Paulus Masehe publicly pleaded for patience from fans and media—arguing that integrating younger players into a new system takes time—the club’s hierarchy demands immediate stability to protect their top-four ambitions.
What Lies Ahead for Babina Noko?
With unconfirmed reports circulating that a formal termination or exit package is being discussed, Sekhukhune United find themselves searching for leadership once again.
The quick trigger on Kaze underscores the volatile nature of coaching in the Betway Premiership, where patience is a luxury few boards can afford.
As the international break approaches, the Sekhukhune board is expected to make an official announcement regarding the head coaching position.
For now, assistant coaches Paulus Masehe and Papi Zothwane remain in temporary control of first-team duties, tasked with lifting camp morale and preparing the squad for their upcoming league fixtures, far away from the shadow of their recent Orlando Pirates nightmare.
