Fernando Da Cruz has shown he is not interested in empty promises. Ahead of Tuesday’s clash with Stellenbosch FC, the Kaizer Chiefs coach admitted he cannot say whether his team can challenge Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates for the Betway Premiership title.
Proof of concept, but not yet consistency
Chiefs sit seven points behind log leaders Sundowns, though they have a game in hand. Da Cruz said he watched Sundowns and Pirates meet in the MTN8 final over the weekend, calling it a very good game between the teams who have won the titles so far.
He pointed to Chiefs’ 1-1 draw with Sundowns on 15 August as evidence that his side can hold its own against the best. The harder part, he said, is repeating that level across a whole season. On whether Chiefs can mount a real challenge, he said he has no answer either way.
Satisfied with the football, working on the flaws
Da Cruz is still happy with how Chiefs have played. He feels his squad understands his game model well and has adapted to his tactical approach. He named two areas to fix: efficiency in the box and individual mistakes. He tied those mistakes directly to defensive form, saying Chiefs need more clean sheets and won’t concede if they cut out the errors.
The coach said the team used the recent FIFA international break to work on exactly these weaknesses.
What comes next
Stellenbosch are next, and Chiefs need maximum points to close the gap on the sides above them. With Sundowns and Pirates setting the pace, Amakhosi must turn promising performances into consistent results to stay in the title conversation.
The question for fans: will Chiefs win the title?
Fernando Da Cruz has shown he is not interested in empty promises. Ahead of Tuesday’s clash with Stellenbosch FC, the Kaizer Chiefs coach admitted he cannot say whether his team can challenge Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates for the Betway Premiership title.
Proof of concept, but not yet consistency
Chiefs sit seven points behind log leaders Sundowns, though they have a game in hand. Da Cruz said he watched Sundowns and Pirates meet in the MTN8 final over the weekend, calling it a very good game between the teams who have won the titles so far.
He pointed to Chiefs’ 1-1 draw with Sundowns on 15 August as evidence that his side can hold its own against the best. The harder part, he said, is repeating that level across a whole season. On whether Chiefs can mount a real challenge, he said he has no answer either way.
Satisfied with the football, working on the flaws
Da Cruz is still happy with how Chiefs have played. He feels his squad understands his game model well and has adapted to his tactical approach. He named two areas to fix: efficiency in the box and individual mistakes. He tied those mistakes directly to defensive form, saying Chiefs need more clean sheets and won’t concede if they cut out the errors.
The coach said the team used the recent FIFA international break to work on exactly these weaknesses.
What comes next
Stellenbosch are next, and Chiefs need maximum points to close the gap on the sides above them. With Sundowns and Pirates setting the pace, Amakhosi must turn promising performances into consistent results to stay in the title conversation.
The question for fans: will Chiefs win the title?
