The Premier Soccer League pressure cooker has claimed its first coaching victim of the 2026/2027 campaign. Former Kaizer Chiefs co-coach Cedric Kaze has officially parted ways with Sekhukhune United FC after just four league matches, as reported by iol.co.za.
The decision highlights how unforgiving the modern game can be. Despite earning six points from his opening two Betway Premiership fixtures, Kaze’s quick exit shows how fast fortunes can turn in top-flight football.
Three Bad Results Turn the Tide
Sekhukhune United sit eighth on the log, making the sudden departure seem surprising at first glance. However, a tough three-match stretch against Orlando Pirates ultimately changed the narrative.
The Polokwane-based side suffered three consecutive defeats against the Buccaneers:
- A 1-0 defeat in the MTN8 semi-final first leg
- A 2-0 loss in their Premiership clash
- A 3-0 drubbing in the MTN8 semi-final second leg
The board decided to act quickly after this slump. They confirmed a mutual termination of Kaze’s contract with immediate effect. Assistant coach Papi Zothwane now steps in on an interim basis to guide the squad.
A Familiar Pattern in PSL History
Coaching dismissals early in the campaign are nothing new in South African football. Kaze joins a long list of early-season departures documented by SuperSport:
- 2026/2027: Cedric Kaze (Sekhukhune United) – after 4 matches
- 2025/2026: Sinethemba Badela (Chippa United) – after 2 matches
- 2024/2025: Peter Hyballa (Sekhukhune United), Dylan Kerr (Marumo Gallants FC), Vusimuzi Vilakazi (Richards Bay FC) – before matchday 1
- 2023/2024: Vusimuzi Vilakazi (Lamontville Golden Arrows) – after 5 matches
- 2022/2023: Romain Folz (Marumo Gallants) – after 6 matches
For Sekhukhune United, the immediate priority is stability. For football followers analyzing team dynamics, seeing how the squad responds under Zothwane will be crucial. Stay updated on team trends and match insights at our dedicated predictions section.