Kaizer Chiefs not ready to challenge Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns – Coach Fernando Da Cruz

Kaizer Chiefs head coach Fernando Da Cruz has played down expectations ahead of the new Betway Premiership season, admitting Amakhosi are still some distance from competing with reigning champions Mamelodi Sundowns and fierce rivals Orlando Pirates.

The French coach made the candid assessment after Chiefs edged Scotland FC 1-0 in the Toyota Cup, a result that offered another glimpse into a squad still searching for consistency following a mixed pre-season campaign.

Despite spending the off-season in Spain preparing for the new campaign, Chiefs struggled to produce convincing results in their friendly fixtures, managing just one victory.

While the performances have provided valuable lessons, Da Cruz believes the team is not yet equipped to sustain a title challenge against the country’s strongest sides.

When asked whether Chiefs could compete for the league crown this season, the coach delivered a straightforward verdict.

“For the moment no.”

He, however, stressed that the club’s ambitions remain intact, insisting a clearer assessment can only be made once the squad is complete.

“But we are looking for offensive options and when we have the entire squad then we can assess if we are able to challenge other teams to win the title, and to go well in the Confederation Cup.”

Chiefs still chasing attacking reinforcements

With the transfer window still open, Da Cruz revealed that strengthening the attacking department remains the club’s top priority.

Although Chiefs have already brought in four new players, the coach believes additional signings are necessary to provide greater tactical flexibility and improve the team’s cutting edge in the final third.

Asked which positions require reinforcement, Da Cruz was unequivocal.

“A striker, new wingers and an offensive midfielder.”

He explained that while the current squad possesses quality, the coaching staff want players with different characteristics to broaden the team’s attacking options.

“We [already] have good profiles, but we asked management to get different profiles, so that we can play different football and be less predictable.”

The comments suggest Chiefs are likely to remain active in the transfer market before the September deadline as they seek to reshape a squad aiming to return to the top of South African football.

Injury concern ahead of league opener

Chiefs could also begin the new campaign without defender Bradley Cross after he picked up an injury during Sunday’s victory over Scotland FC.

The extent of the injury has yet to be confirmed, but his potential absence would be an early setback for Da Cruz as he prepares for his first competitive league fixture in charge.

Amakhosi open their 2026-27 Betway Premiership campaign on Saturday with an away clash against Kruger United at Mbombela Stadium.

While supporters are eager to see the club re-establish itself among the country’s leading contenders, Da Cruz’s honest assessment indicates that expectations should remain measured for now.

Rather than promising an immediate title challenge, the Chiefs boss has signalled that rebuilding the squad and adding the right attacking profiles are the immediate priorities before they can realistically compete with the dominance of Sundowns and the resurgence of Orlando Pirates.