Sekhukhune United have kicked off their 2026/27 Betway Premiership campaign without new head coach Cedric Kaze on the bench due to a delay in his work permit.
Babina Noko are facing Durban City on Saturday afternoon, with many looking forward between former Kaizer Chiefs co-coaches Kaze and Khalil Ben Yousseff.
However, Kaze was not named on the team sheet and didn’t appear on the bench, with his assistant Paulus Masehe confirming a delay in his work papers as the reason for his absence, similar to players Chibuikwe Ohizu and Bethuel Muzeu.
“The reason is there is a slight delay regarding his papers, his work permit,” he told SuperSport TV.
“Same as also our foreign players, Ohio, Muzeu – there is also a slight delay regarding their work permit.
“But we’re hoping it can be resolved pretty soon.”
Despite Kaze’s absence, Masehe expressed his confidence in the work of the new head coach.
“New season, new coach, new coach,” he added.
“But the Sekhukhune philosophy doesn’t change and we have added people to the team that we believe add value.
“Up to so far, things have been going very well, with tough friendlies that we managed to play.
“It has given our coach a chance to access his team and also his philosophy of which I believe went very well and we’re looking forward to the season.”