Kaze Demands Fast Adaptation From Buthelezi

Sekhukhune United head coach Cedric Kaze has shared his thoughts on new signing Melusi Buthelezi, stressing that the goalkeeper must adapt quickly ahead of the 2026/27 season.

Buthelezi recently joined Babina Noko from Orlando Pirates after struggling for regular game time at the Soweto giants, where Sipho Chaine established himself as the club’s first-choice goalkeeper last season.

The 28-year-old arrived at Sekhukhune following the departure of first-choice goalkeeper Renaldo Leaner, who completed a move to Kaizer Chiefs during the transfer window.

Kaze recently guided Sekhukhune to their first piece of silverware under his leadership after winning the 2026 Mafori Cup at Seshego Stadium over the weekend.

The Burundian coach acknowledged that Buthelezi lacked regular playing time last season, making it crucial for him to settle into his new surroundings as quickly as possible with the new campaign fast approaching.

“Buthelezi is a goalkeeper who came to us two weeks ago.

“He is a goalkeeper who didn’t have much game time last season, and it’s important to speed up his integration. We want him to play with different defenders and different players to give him time to adapt very quickly and get him ready for the start of the season. Those are the reasons for him to play in both games.”

Kaze also explained how important lifting the Mafori Cup would be as a confidence booster ahead of the 2026/27 campaign.

“First of all, it gives confidence to the players, to know that they can win trophies. Every time, as coaches, we want to win. I’m pretty sure there is no coach in the world who will be happy to lose a friendly game. They might say they are happy, but we know in their hearts they are not. The thing we need to look at is not the cup; it’s the performance and the way we want to play,” he said.

Buthelezi will be hoping to start between the posts when Babina Noko open their Betway Premiership campaign against Durban City at the Seshego Stadium on Saturday.