Kaizer Chiefs FC coach Fernando da Cruz says his team should have 12 points from their first five games, not the four they currently hold. The Amakhosi boss pointed to a series of costly mistakes as the reason for their poor start to the Betway Premiership season.
Chiefs have lost four of their opening five fixtures, falling 1-0 to Stellenbosch FC, 2-0 to Orlando Pirates in the Soweto Derby, 1-0 to TS Galaxy, and 2-1 to Mamelodi Sundowns. The team's current league standing of 3rd in the Premier Soccer League, with 8 points from 4 games and a recent form of DDWW, is a separate and more positive metric that reflects a different phase of competition. Da Cruz's frustration stems from the belief that those defeats were self-inflicted. "We should be on 12 points," the coach stated bluntly.
What mistakes have cost Kaizer Chiefs?
Fernando da Cruz did not specify individual errors but highlighted a pattern of lapses across multiple matches. The 1-0 loss to Stellenbosch and the 2-0 derby defeat to Orlando Pirates were particularly damaging. Conceding early goals and failing to convert chances have been consistent themes. These results have left the club struggling in the broader context of the early season table, a far cry from where their performances, in the coach's view, should have them placed.
Where does the team stand now?
Despite the disappointing start referenced by Da Cruz, the club's overall competitive position shows resilience. As of 02 September 2026, Kaizer Chiefs sit 3rd in the Premier Soccer League. They have 8 points from 4 matches, with 2 wins and 2 draws, and a goal difference of +4, having scored 8 and conceded 4. They remain just 2 points behind leaders Orlando Pirates in the title race. Fans can track the evolving battle on our standings page.
How can Chiefs turn their form around?
For Fernando da Cruz, the solution is clear: eliminate the unforced errors. The coach believes the underlying performances have been strong enough to win games, but individual mistakes at key moments have proven fatal. The focus will be on greater concentration and composure in both boxes. Improving defensive solidity will be vital, especially with the team having already let in 4 goals this campaign. The full squad details are available on our squad page for those looking at personnel options.
What is the immediate focus for the squad?
The immediate task is to learn from the early setbacks and build on the more recent unbeaten run reflected in the DDWW form guide. Every training session will be geared towards eradicating the lapses that Da Cruz identified. The next fixtures, which you can view on our fixtures schedule, will provide a quick opportunity to demonstrate that improvement. The team's next match is against Royal AM on 10 September 2026 at the Moses Mabhida Stadium.
