Kaizer Chiefs’ defensive problems have come under the spotlight again, with club legend Junior Khanye warning that Fernando Da Cruz’s tactical setup could continue to expose the Amakhosi.
Chiefs were held to a 2-2 draw by Richards Bay, dropping two important points in the Betway Premiership title race. Once again, defensive errors played a major role in the result.
While Da Cruz has received praise for his tactical discipline in certain matches, Khanye believes the coach needs to reconsider how Chiefs build from the back.
Khanye concerned about Chiefs’ defensive structure
Chiefs used a three-man defensive system against Richards Bay, with Inacio Miguel, Thabo Moloisane and Miguel Inacio operating at the back.
The approach was considerably more attacking than the one used against Mamelodi Sundowns, when Chiefs adopted a cautious setup and managed to secure a draw against the reigning champions.
Against Richards Bay, however, the more aggressive approach created space for the opposition to exploit.
The opening goal was particularly damaging. Moloisane played the ball back towards goalkeeper Brandon Petersen, but the Chiefs captain failed to deal with the situation cleanly. Richards Bay striker Nqaba Xulu reacted quickly to punish the mistake.
‘Obviously you will be exposed’
Khanye believes Chiefs are taking unnecessary risks by combining a high defensive line with defenders who may not have the pace required to recover when opponents break through.
Speaking to iDiski TV, the former Chiefs winger questioned whether the players are comfortable playing the possession-based system Da Cruz is demanding.
His argument is that Chiefs become vulnerable when opponents apply pressure and force them into mistakes while building from deep.
Khanye also questioned why the ball was played back to Petersen instead of taking a more direct option with the opposition striker closing in.
For the former Amakhosi star, the issue is therefore bigger than simply blaming the goalkeeper.
Is the three-man defence the problem?
The debate now centres on whether Da Cruz has the right personnel to successfully implement his preferred system.
Playing three at the back can offer greater numbers in possession and allow wing-backs to push forward, but it also requires defenders who are comfortable under pressure, communicate effectively and can cope with space behind them.
Chiefs have already conceded avoidable goals this season, and repeated mistakes could become increasingly costly as the title race develops.
Petersen’s recent errors have attracted plenty of criticism, but Khanye’s comments suggest that the goalkeeper may only be one part of a larger defensive problem.
Chiefs need answers quickly
The Amakhosi remain within touching distance of the top of the Betway Premiership, but they cannot afford to keep handing opponents easy opportunities.
Da Cruz must now decide whether to persist with the three-man defence, alter the team’s approach when playing out from the back, or adopt a more direct strategy against aggressive opposition.
The talent going forward is there. The bigger question is whether Chiefs can find enough defensive stability to turn promising performances into consistent victories.
Is Da Cruz’s three-man defence the problem, or are individual errors costing Kaizer Chiefs?
