Kaze confirms two Sekhukhune absences for MTN8 Pirates semi-final

Sekhukhune United will be without two first-choice full-backs for the first leg of their MTN8 semi-final against Orlando Pirates. The match is scheduled for Saturday at the Old Peter Mokaba Stadium.

Coach Cedric Kaze confirmed that left-back Vuyo Letlapa and right-back Tsepho Mashiloane will miss the meeting. Letlapa has not returned to training since suffering an injury during Sekhukhune’s game against Kaizer Chiefs.

Mashiloane’s absence has a different cause. The right-back is on loan at Sekhukhune from Orlando Pirates, and a clause in his agreement is understood to prevent him from facing his parent club. That leaves Kaze without the pair who have occupied his regular full-back positions.

The coach described Letlapa’s loss as particularly significant because of the defender’s contribution since the beginning of the season. Sekhukhune will therefore have to change both sides of its defence or call on players who have had fewer opportunities to start.

Kaze’s message to the rest of the squad is that those available must take responsibility for the openings created by the two absences. The coach said his players need to match the demands of the semi-final and accept the challenge presented by the changes to his line-up.

The first meeting with Pirates begins a demanding run between the clubs. They will also play a league fixture on Tuesday and meet again the following Saturday, with both of those matches set for the Orlando Amstel Arena. Sekhukhune’s immediate focus, however, is the MTN8 tie and finding replacements for Letlapa and Mashiloane.