Kaizer Chiefs boss Fernando da Cruz says attack needs time to click despite ‘good mindset’

Kaizer Chiefs head coach Fernando da Cruz has underlined the team’s attacking play as the main area requiring significant improvement as they prepare to kick off the new season on Saturday.

The Frenchman, speaking through sports science portfolio director Julien Le Heran, said he is satisfied with the defensive structure but believes the forward line will take longer to refine as Chiefs look to compete for honours in the PSL and in Africa.

“We have a good defensive structure but offensively, for the moment, it is a part that will take time to work on and improve,” Da Cruz said.

Chiefs’ squad had a testing outing in Spain, where a match against Zimbabwean champions Scottland on Sunday provided what Da Cruz described as a clear reality check on where his side currently stands.

Attack under construction

Da Cruz has been working to familiarise himself with his new squad while simultaneously preparing for the domestic campaign and the CAF Confederation Cup.

On Sunday, he started Falvio da Silva as the central striker, backed by an attacking trio of Asanele Velebayi, Ethan Chislett and Mfundo Vilakazi. Later in the game, Etiosa Ighodaro, Luke Baartman and Wandile Duba were introduced to lead the line.

Additional attacking options in the squad include Khanyisa Mayo, who is currently sidelined with injury, and Naledi Hlongwane.

“We are working for that, but it is our process and work to improve offensively,” Da Cruz explained.

“We are searching for offensive options, but when we will have our entire squad, we can assess if we are able to challenge the other teams to win the title in the PSL and also to have a good way in CAF Confederation.”

Chiefs have already moved to reshape the group, with Adolf Bitegeko, Thabo Moloisane and Renaldo Leaner coming in, while Glody Makabi Lilepo, Ashley du Preez and Thabo are currently with the squad but earmarked for exits.

Season opener and expectations

Chiefs open their league campaign on Saturday evening with an away fixture at Mbombela Stadium against Kruger United, a match that will give Da Cruz his first competitive look at how his ideas translate in South African conditions.

His initial brief is to build on last season’s third-place league finish, achieved under the previous coaching duo of Khalil Ben Youssef and Cedric Kaze.

Beyond the DStv Premiership, Chiefs will also compete in the MTN8, Carling KnockOut, Nedbank Cup and the CAF Confederation Cup, adding extra urgency to Da Cruz’s efforts to settle on a reliable attacking formula.

Mindset praised but caution urged

Despite identifying clear areas for improvement, Da Cruz is encouraged by the attitude he has seen from his players in pre-season, both in Spain and since returning.

“For the moment, the mindset of the team is very good and also in pre-season in Spain the mindset was very good… but I have to be careful because I don’t want this in short term but medium and long term,” he said.

With the domestic and continental schedule looming, Da Cruz’s focus in the coming weeks will be on accelerating the attacking cohesion he believes Chiefs will need if they are to turn a solid defensive base and positive mentality into tangible success.