Future Focus Despite MTN8 Exit: Paulus Masehe Insists Setbacks Will Shape Success

Sekhukhune United assistant coach Paulus Masehe faced the media after his side’s 3-0 loss to Orlando Pirates in the MTN8 semi-final second leg at the Orlando Amstel Arena. Despite the disappointment of elimination, Masehe offered a candid assessment of the match and highlighted the lessons his team will carry forward.

Masehe explained that Sekhukhune began the game with a tactical experiment, deploying a 3-4-3 formation in hopes of containing Pirates’ attacking threats. However, the approach backfired. The assistant coach admitted that the system created confusion among his players and left dangerous gaps in central areas, which Pirates exploited to devastating effect in the first half.

The Buccaneers capitalised on those weaknesses, scoring twice before halftime through Thapelo Mokobodi and Ghampani Lungu. Masehe acknowledged that the tactical gamble had failed, noting that his side struggled to maintain defensive shape and composure against Pirates’ fluid attacking movements.

In the second half, Sekhukhune reverted to their familiar 4-2-3-1 system. The adjustment brought immediate improvement, with the team creating several scoring opportunities in the opening 15 minutes after the restart. Masehe praised his players’ response, emphasizing that the change allowed them to regain balance and confidence on the pitch.

Still, Sekhukhune could not find the breakthrough they needed. Pirates’ defensive resilience and superior technical quality kept them in control, and a late strike from Kamogelo Sebelebele sealed the 3-0 result, completing a 4-0 aggregate victory for the Soweto giants.

Reflecting on the defeat, Masehe was gracious in acknowledging Pirates’ superiority. He highlighted their individual technical ability and wealth of experience as decisive factors, contrasting it with Sekhukhune’s youthful squad still finding its footing in top-level competition.

The assistant coach stressed that Sekhukhune are in a rebuilding phase, having introduced several younger players this season. He framed the setback as part of a broader learning curve, insisting that the exposure to high-pressure matches against elite opposition will benefit the squad in the long run.