Kaizer Chiefs football manager Bobby Motaung has offered an explanation for the club’s disappointing run of results, pointing to the extended FIFA international break as a major factor behind the team’s loss of momentum.
Amakhosi started the season with renewed optimism under French coach Fernando Da Cruz, raising hopes that the club was finally moving in the right direction. However, their recent performances have failed to match that promising beginning.
Chiefs are now without a league victory in their last four matches, with their latest setback coming against bitter rivals Orlando Pirates in the Soweto Derby.
The disappointing run has increased scrutiny of Da Cruz, with supporters beginning to question whether the Frenchman is the right person to lead the club’s rebuilding project.
Bobby Motaung points to FIFA break
Speaking to sports broadcaster Robert Marawa, Motaung explained that Chiefs had built encouraging momentum before the international break interrupted their preparations and disrupted the team’s rhythm.
He believes the extended interruption, combined with injuries, affected the squad’s ability to maintain its early-season intensity.
“I think if you know the game of football, if you’ve been in the game of football for years or for the time that I’ve been in football, there are a lot of impacts,” Motaung explained.
He added that Chiefs had enjoyed a good start to the campaign and appeared to be building something positive before the three-week break changed the situation.
“Remember, we had a pre-season, came back, we had a good start, we thought we were on the roll. Then we had a three-week break, and you had injuries. Then you had a three-week break, where with the intensity that we had and the momentum, it broke.”
Pressure increases on Fernando Da Cruz
Despite showing encouraging signs earlier in the campaign, Da Cruz is now facing growing pressure to deliver consistent results.
Chiefs’ recent struggles have left them 11 points behind league leaders Orlando Pirates, highlighting the gap Amakhosi need to close if they are to challenge for major honours this season.
Their CAF Confederation Cup elimination has also added to the frustration among supporters, many of whom expected a stronger campaign.
However, the club’s leadership has continued to express confidence in the French tactician.
Last week, sporting director Kaizer Motaung Jr. reaffirmed his support for Da Cruz, dismissing suggestions that the coach was on his way out following the continental disappointment.
Should Kaizer Chiefs make a decision before December?
With results failing to improve, attention is increasingly turning towards Da Cruz’s future at Naturena.
Bobby Motaung’s explanation suggests that the club believes external disruptions, injuries and interrupted momentum have contributed to the poor run.
However, football is ultimately judged by results, and Chiefs supporters will want to see a clear improvement on the pitch.
The coming weeks could prove crucial for Da Cruz as he attempts to restore confidence, improve consistency and bring Amakhosi back into contention.
The big question remains: Should Kaizer Chiefs continue backing Fernando Da Cruz, or is it time for the club to consider a coaching change before December?
