Sekhukhune United FC have parted ways with head coach Cedric Kaze following a difficult run of three consecutive defeats to Orlando Pirates. The dismissal, which came just seven games into the Betway Premiership season, marks the first coaching change of the campaign and reflects a wider trend of early-season instability across the division.

Sekhukhune United currently sit sixth in the Premier Soccer League table with 11 points from their opening seven matches. Their recent form, which includes a 3-2 win over Richards Bay last month, shows a mixed bag of results, but the club's hierarchy acted after the third loss to Pirates.

Former Orlando Pirates and Bafana Bafana defender Gavin Lane has described the rate of coaching changes in the league as ridiculous. Lane, who has personal experience of being fired, suggested that interference from club executives often makes a manager's job impossible rather than pure on-field performance. He pointed to the example of Gavin Hunt's abrupt departure from Durban City FC last season, where the owner reportedly gave direct instructions for matches.

Lane also highlighted the financial strain on coaches who lose their jobs so early, noting they often do not receive adequate compensation. He recalled his own dismissal at AmaZulu by owner Sisa Bikitsha, despite not even being on the bench for the match in question. For Lane, this culture of hire and fire is a major obstacle to the long-term growth of South African football.

Kaze's exit is part of a broader pattern, with five clubs having already changed head coaches within the first seven fixtures of the season. Durban City moved on from Khalil Ben Youssef, Phuti Mohafe lasted five games at Marumo Gallants, Ronnie Gabriels was fired at Richards Bay FC, and Lehlohonolo Seema was placed on suspension at Siwelele. This rapid churn raises questions about sustainability and planning at the highest level of the domestic game.

Before his spell at Sekhukhune United, Cedric Kaze managed Kaizer Chiefs and has since secured another role in football. The club now turns its attention to the immediate future, with a home fixture against 16th-placed Marumo Gallants next on the fixtures schedule. Sekhukhune United will be aiming to start a new chapter with three points from that match on 17 October.

The original report is at FARPost ZA