Sub Off Vandala After 20 Minutes? Kaze Explains Shock Decision
Mcedi Vandala during the 2026 MTN8 quarterfinal match between AmaZulu and Sekhukhune United
Sekhukhune United head coach Cedric Kaze has explained his decision to substitute Mcedi Vandala just 20 minutes after introducing the winger during his side’s 2-0 Betway Premiership defeat to Kaizer Chiefs at the FNB Stadium on Wednesday evening.
The 29-year-old was brought on in the 60th minute in place of Tshepo Mokoane as Babina Noko looked for a way back into the match.
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However, in a moment that appeared to catch many spectators by surprise, Vandala was withdrawn in the 80th minute and replaced by Lehlohonolo Mojela.
Being substituted shortly after coming on is never an easy moment for any player, but Kaze explained afterwards that the decision was purely tactical.
“It was a tactical decision from us, from me, and I just hope that we work it out, because the way I wanted him to perform and the impact that I wanted to see from him is not what I was seeing,” Kaze told the media after the match.
Wednesday’s appearance came during the early stages of a new chapter for Vandala, who has recently returned to Sekhukhune after a move to AmaZulu failed to materialise.
The winger had already featured for Babina Noko earlier in the MTN8, coming off the bench in the 72nd minute against AmaZulu before making a telling contribution late in the game.
Vandala provided the assist for Vuyo Letlapa’s stoppage-time winner, helping Sekhukhune secure a 4-3 victory and book their place in the semifinals of the competition, where they will face Orlando Pirates.
His return to the club had therefore begun positively, with the attacker making an immediate contribution despite limited minutes.
His introduction against Chiefs offered another opportunity to make an impact, although his evening ended earlier than he would have hoped after Kaze opted to make another change with 10 minutes of normal time remaining.
The Sekhukhune coach’s explanation makes clear that the decision was based on what he wanted tactically from his team at that stage of the match, rather than necessarily reflecting a long-term judgement on the player.
Vandala will now hope to put Wednesday’s disappointment behind him and continue building momentum following his return to Babina Noko, with another important match approaching against Polokwane City in the Limpopo derby at Seshego Stadium on Saturday.
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