Kaze praises Sekhukhune’s fightback after AmaZulu thriller

Babina Noko eventually secured a 4-3 victory over Usuthu at Chatsworth Stadium on Sunday, booking their place in the semi-finals after a match that swung repeatedly in both directions.

Sekhukhune appeared to have control of the contest after opening up a two-goal cushion in the second half. But AmaZulu fought their way back into the contest, forcing the match into extra time and leaving Kaze facing a nervy finish.

The Burundian coach says the momentum shifts made for an uncomfortable afternoon on the touchline.

"Let me just take the win because I almost felt like I was going to have a heart attack with the situation where the game changed so quickly. We were up 2-1 and you feel like you've got the game in your hands but things change quickly in a football game. But it's a cup game and that's why they say the dream of cup games are like this and I am very happy that we could go through today," said Kaze

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Having surrendered their advantage, Kaze was pleased with the response from his players, particularly the composure they showed when the game became stretched and the pressure intensified.

He believes the way Babina Noko recovered from that setback demonstrated the character within the squad.

Last year, Stellenbosch FC eliminated Sekhukhune 3-1 on aggregate in the semi-finals to reach the MTN8 final.

The coach, however, is refusing to look beyond the next assignment. He says the focus must remain on preparing properly for the semi-finals rather than getting carried away by thoughts of lifting the MTN8 trophy.

Kaze’s next game will be against his previous club, Kazier Chiefs on Wednesday at FNB. The return will therefore carry added significance for Kaze, although he insists his attention is firmly on the challenge ahead.