Cedric Kaze confirms double blow ahead of Pirates MTN8 showdown
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Sekhukhune United head coach Cedric Kaze has confirmed a double blow for the first leg of their MTN8 semi-final clash against Orlando Pirates at Old Peter Mokaba Stadium on Saturday.
Babina Noko will be without the reliable services of Vuyo Letlapa and Tshepo Mashiloane, who have both been solid at full-back four games into the 2026/27 campaign.
The left-back is sidelined due to an injury he sustained in the Betway Premiership defeat to Kaizer Chiefs last Wednesday, effectively ruling him out of the Limpopo derby win against Polokwane City.
Kaze says Letlapa, who is reportedly on the radar of Moroccan giants Raja Club Athletic, coached by ex-Chiefs mentor Nasreddine Nabi, hasn't trained since suffering the injury at the Calabash.
“Vuyo has not trained since he got injured against Kaizer Chiefs, it's a very big loss,” said the Burundian tactician when quizzed about team updates ahead of the Bucs showdown.
The former Chiefs co-coach went on to reveal that a contractual clause is set to prevent Mashiloane from featuring against his parent club as he's on loan from Pirates for the second season in a row.
“I also have to mention that Saturday we're going to be without Tshepo Mashiloane, who is on loan from Orlando Pirates, probably in his contract there is a clause not allowing him to play against them,” Kaze added.
"It's a very big loss because it's a player that has been important for us since the beginning of the season. But the players that we have must be able to compete, they have to be able to embrace this challenge.
With the first meeting of the semi-final tie on the horizon, Kaze will be looking to eliminate the title holders Pirates, in a bid to guide the club to their maiden final in the competition.
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