Kaizer Chiefs must start turning draws into wins to revive their Betway Premiership title challenge, says coach Fernando da Cruz. The Amakhosi sit 12 points behind leaders Mamelodi Sundowns with 21 league fixtures remaining.
Da Cruz identified a lengthy injury list as the primary disruptor of his team's rhythm this season. Limited squad depth forced him to rely on less experienced players, contributing to a run of costly draws. Kaizer Chiefs are currently fifth in the standings with 14 points from nine matches, having won three, drawn five and lost one. The team has scored 14 goals and conceded 10, giving them a goal difference of plus four.
Managerial confidence amid pressure
The French coach acknowledged his team has dropped points in matches they should have won. He expressed confidence that returning players would provide the quality and depth needed to stabilise results. Da Cruz stressed the importance of a positive mentality, maintaining that a run of consecutive victories is still achievable. He stated that the team's focus is on their own performances and not the points gap, believing that consistent winning form will naturally close the distance to the top. The team's recent form of two wins, one draw and two defeats from their last five games highlights the inconsistency that needs to be addressed.
Football analyst Moses Mbogo weighed in on the manager's future. "I think he might last till the end of the season, since he's got the backing of the Kaizer Chiefs board presently," Mbogo said. He advised the club to part ways with Da Cruz only if the poor run of form is extended and they fail to secure a top-eight finish. Mbogo added that the coach's project needs more time, but the pressure will intensify if results do not show a clear upward trend in the coming weeks.
The immediate priority is to build momentum, starting with the next fixture. Chiefs host third-placed Amazulu on Wednesday, 4 November, looking to improve on a recent form line that reads two wins, one draw and two defeats from their last five outings. Wandile Duba's hat-trick in the 3-0 win over TS Galaxy last week shows the potential within the squad when key players are available. That victory on 27 October, where Duba scored a second-half treble with assists from P. Mmodi and M. Shabalala, was a bright spot. However, it was followed by a 2-1 defeat to Orlando Pirates on Saturday 31 October, where P. Mmodi scored the lone goal. The team's top scorer this season is M. Shabalala with two goals in six appearances. Da Cruz confirmed that several first-team players are back in full training and are in contention for selection, which he believes will be a significant boost for the team's tactical flexibility and endurance in the key period ahead.
First reported at Briefly
