Kaizer Chiefs coach Fernando da Cruz has laid down a clear mandate for the season, demanding his team compete for every trophy. The directive comes as the side shows a consistent scoring threat but continues to be troubled by defensive errors.
Da Cruz, the former Lille OSC head coach, was appointed after the departure of co-coaches Khalil Ben Youssef and Cedric Kaze at the end of last season. In his seven matches in charge, the team has recorded three wins, three draws and one defeat, scoring 12 goals and conceding eight.
"The club has to win the league and has to win cups," Da Cruz said, echoing the demands of football manager Bobby Motaung.
That ambition is reflected in the early league table, where Chiefs sit fourth with 12 points from six games. Their recent form shows a five-match unbeaten run in the Betway Premiership, with two wins and three draws.
A major positive has been the team's ability to find the net in every league outing under the new coach. The only match where they failed to score was a 1-0 MTN8 loss to Golden Arrows in August. In the league, they have netted 12 times, with Lebohang Maboe leading the way with two goals.
However, the concession of eight goals across all competitions, including own goals in recent draws against Polokwane City and Siwelele, points to a persistent issue. The 1-1 draw with Polokwane City last weekend, where an own goal cost two points, is a prime example of the fine margins they must improve.
The team's resilience will be tested again soon, with a full schedule of upcoming fixtures on the horizon. Da Cruz's immediate task is to tighten the defence while maintaining the attacking fluency that has yielded results. The next match provides another chance to build momentum and close the eight-point gap to leaders Mamelodi Sundowns.
First reported at Briefly
