Fernando Da Cruz rues dropped points as Kaizer Chiefs prepare for Siwelele test at Dobsonville

Cedric Kaze, the former co-coach of Kaizer Chiefs, has become the first casualty of the 2026/2027 Premier Soccer League season after being sacked by Sekhukhune United on Wednesday. The reason behind Sekhukhune's decision to let Kaze go remains unclear, as the Limpopo side currently sits eighth in the league standings with only six points from four games.

The only potential explanation for their swift dismissal of the coach is their recent three-match defeat at the hands of Premier Soccer League champions Orlando Pirates. Sekhukhune suffered a 1-0 loss in the MTN8 semi-final first leg, a 2-0 defeat in a league match, and a 3-0 drubbing in the MTN8 semi-final second leg. Appointed with high hopes to propel the Polokwane-based team into top-four contention, Kaze started his tenure well, earning six valuable points from his first two games.

In a statement released on Wednesday, Sekhukhune confirmed the immediate termination of Kaze's contract, citing a mutual separation. While the management thanked him for his professionalism during his brief tenure, the speed of the decision reflects the board's zero-tolerance policy towards extended poor performance. Interim assistant coach Papi Zothwane has been tasked with stabilizing the team prior to their next matches.

For Kaze, whose tactical skills were highlighted during his time with Nasreddine Nabi at Naturena, this short and harsh stint serves as a harsh reminder of the intense pressure cooker environment in the Premier Soccer League, where a string of three poor results against a dominant team can abruptly end a coach's career.