Kaizer Chiefs coach Fernando Da Cruz has come under the spotlight after Bafana Bafana legend Tsepo Masilela drew comparisons between his tactical approach and that of former Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim.
Kaizer Chiefs remain unbeaten in the Betway Premiership, but their recent run of draws has raised questions about whether Fernando Da Cruz needs to adjust his tactical approach.
Former Bafana Bafana left-back Tsepo Masilela has now compared Da Cruz’s preferred system with the approach used by Ruben Amorim during his time at Manchester United.
Speaking on Soccerbeat, Masilela pointed to the two coaches’ preference for operating with a back three. He suggested that Da Cruz appears committed to the system despite defensive mistakes costing Chiefs points.
Masilela questions Chiefs’ tactical approach
According to Masilela, Chiefs are not necessarily setting up defensively despite using three centre-backs. He also highlighted the role of players such as Pule Mmodi, who can operate in a wing-back position within the system.
The former Bafana star acknowledged that Chiefs have been scoring goals but believes defensive errors have continued to undermine their results.
Masilela compared the situation to Amorim’s time at Manchester United, where the Portuguese coach remained committed to his preferred back-three system despite calls for tactical changes.
“It’s the similar things that happened to Manchester United when they hired Ruben Amorim. Even when he got suggestions that he should change his back three, he opted to lose his job while playing in a way he believed in,” Masilela said.
Chiefs still unbeaten despite dropped points
Da Cruz’s Chiefs have made a positive start to their league campaign in terms of remaining unbeaten. After seven matches, Amakhosi have recorded three wins and four draws.
However, consecutive draws have allowed defending champions Mamelodi Sundowns to build a seven-point advantage at the top of the Betway Premiership.
That gap means Chiefs will need to convert more of their opportunities into victories if they are to remain involved in the title race.
The pressure on Da Cruz could increase further as the fixture schedule becomes more demanding in October, with Chiefs also preparing for their CAF Confederation Cup commitments.
For now, Da Cruz remains focused on building his team around his preferred tactical system. Whether he maintains the back three throughout the campaign — and how Chiefs perform with it — is likely to remain a talking point among supporters and analysts.
How far can Da Cruz take Chiefs?
The Chiefs coach has delivered an unbeaten league start, but the recent draws have created a gap between Amakhosi and Sundowns.
The coming weeks could provide a clearer indication of whether Da Cruz’s tactical approach can deliver the consistency Chiefs need as they balance their domestic campaign with continental football.
