Fernando Da Cruz urges patience as Kaizer Chiefs make winning start

Kaizer Chiefs head coach Fernando Da Cruz has praised his players for embracing his tactical approach but warned that the team still has significant room for improvement after beginning the new season with consecutive victories.

Amakhosi followed last weekend’s Toyota Cup success against Zimbabwean side Scottland FC by beating newly promoted Kruger United 3-1 in their Betway Premiership opener on Saturday.

The result continued an encouraging start to Da Cruz’s tenure and gave Chiefs’ supporters another indication of the playing style the Frenchman wants to establish. The team appeared more aggressive when in possession and more direct during transitions than for much of last season.

However, Da Cruz played down any suggestion that his squad has already reached its potential.

“I think it’s the game model, the players like this game model and they like working hard for us, so I hope it continues,” Da Cruz said after the victory over Kruger United.

“I understand that it’s only two games and the season will be very long, so we have a lot of work to do.”

Chiefs had already lifted silverware in front of their supporters in Rustenburg, where they defeated Scottland FC in the Toyota Cup. They then carried that momentum into Mbombela Stadium for their first league match of the campaign.

Flavio Da Silva put the visitors ahead early on, but Kruger United restored parity with a late equaliser before half-time. Chiefs responded strongly after the interval, with substitute Wandile Duba scoring twice to secure maximum points.

Duba had come on at half-time after Da Silva was forced off through injury, and his contribution underlined the increasing depth available to Da Cruz. It was the second successive match in which a substitute played an important role in the team’s result.

The reaction of the squad has been one of the most encouraging aspects of Da Cruz’s early time in charge. After an intensive pre-season camp in Spain, the coach has consistently emphasised the need for a clear identity and a shared understanding of how Chiefs should play.

The opening two matches suggest that his players are beginning to respond to those demands. They have shown a willingness to work within the new system and have produced results while doing so.

Da Cruz, though, is aware that more demanding challenges will arrive as the season progresses. Chiefs are seeking to end their lengthy wait for league success, and the coach knows the early victories will only provide a foundation for the longer campaign.

For now, there is renewed optimism at Naturena. The Toyota Cup triumph and three points on the opening weekend have provided Da Cruz with an ideal platform on which to continue developing his project.

The Frenchman remains pleased with the progress made so far, but his message is clear: the opening wins reflect the players’ commitment to the game model, not a finished product. Chiefs remain a work in progress, with much still to be done.