Former Orlando Pirates midfielder Benedict “Tso” Vilakazi believes Kaizer Chiefs could soon part ways with head coach Fernando Da Cruz. However, according to the former midfielder, changing the man in the dugout would not necessarily solve Amakhosi’s deeper problems.
Vilakazi argues that Chiefs’ biggest issue is the quality of the squad, rather than simply the coach.
The former Bucs midfielder believes that if Da Cruz is eventually shown the door, Chiefs could once again look abroad for his replacement. He also questioned why the club did not consider experienced South African coaches such as Rulani Mokwena and Pitso Mosimane when they were available.
Both coaches have enjoyed considerable success during their careers, particularly at Mamelodi Sundowns.
Tso: Chiefs Need Better Players
For Vilakazi, the coaching debate is missing the bigger picture.
He believes even a world-class coach would struggle if the squad does not have enough quality to compete at the highest level.
To explain his point, Vilakazi used a striking Formula 1 analogy involving Max Verstappen.
His argument was simple: putting the best driver in an inferior car does not automatically turn that car into a championship contender.
In football terms, replacing the coach while leaving the squad largely unchanged could produce the same outcome.
“You still driving the same car.”
Vilakazi’s message to Chiefs is therefore clear: the club needs to strengthen its playing squad if it wants to seriously challenge for major trophies.
Should Chiefs Change the Coach or the Squad?
The debate surrounding Fernando Da Cruz will undoubtedly continue if results fail to improve.
But Vilakazi’s argument raises a bigger question: is changing the coach enough?
A new manager can introduce different tactics, improve discipline and potentially get more from existing players. However, sustained success also requires quality recruitment, squad depth and players capable of performing under pressure.
For Chiefs, solving one problem while ignoring the other could simply lead to another cycle of coaching changes without delivering the success supporters expect.
So, do you agree with Tso? Is Kaizer Chiefs’ biggest problem the coach — or the quality of the players?
