The Sekhukhune United team is preparing for the decisive second leg of the semi-final against Orlando Pirates, despite two recent losses to them. The Babane Noko side has little time to dwell on these defeats, as they must secure a victory to advance.
Before the upcoming Sunday clash at the Orlando Amstel Arena, Sekhukhune United trails Orlando Pirates 1-0 after the first game. Furthermore, they suffered another defeat to Buccaneers on Tuesday in the Betway Premier League.
In that league match, Pirates won 2-0, presenting Sekhukhune with a difficult task of overcoming the deficit against a rival who has beaten them twice in four days.
The situation is complicated by the absence of head coach Cedric Khase, who was sent off during Tuesday's league loss and will watch the Saturday match from the stands. Assistant coach Paulus Mashege will take charge of the team as Sekhukhune tries to maintain hope of reaching the final.
However, these setbacks have not shaken the belief within the Babane Noko camp that their chances of making the playoffs remain high. A 1-0 victory would lead to a penalty shootout, while a two-goal win would secure Sekhukhune's place in the final.
Mashege must find a balance between giving the team the necessary attacking impetus to score goals and ensuring defense against Pirates' counterattacks. Nevertheless, the last two defeats may provide Sekhukhune with valuable information on what needs to be changed.
The team has already faced the Pirates' approach twice this week, giving Mashege and the players a clear idea of the areas needing improvement. Former Pirates and Sekhukhune midfielder Linda 'Figo' Mntambo even suggested that Khase's absence could be a 'blessing' for Babane Noko, but this assertion will be tested on Saturday.
Since Pirates hold the advantage, the pressure is on Sekhukhune to take the initiative. The team cannot afford another passive game, nor should the disappointment from Tuesday's loss affect the elimination match, where one moment can decide the fate of the entire campaign.
For Sekhukhune, tactical approach is not only important right now, but so is character. They have 90 minutes to prove that two losses to Pirates and the absence of the head coach have not derailed them. If they can score the goal they lacked in the last two encounters with Buccaneers, the semi-final could quickly take on a completely different character.