Da Cruz urges patience as Kaizer Chiefs build on winning start

Kaizer Chiefs head coach Fernando Da Cruz says his players are responding positively to his tactical ideas, but believes the team still has significant room for improvement despite beginning the new season with two consecutive wins.

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

The victory at Mbombela Stadium continued the momentum created by Chiefs’ trophy triumph in Rustenburg. Flavio Da Silva put the visitors ahead early in the match before second-half substitute Wandile Duba scored twice to secure maximum points.

The opening results have offered early evidence of the changes Da Cruz is trying to introduce. Chiefs have appeared more aggressive when in possession and more direct in transition than they were for much of last season.

However, the Frenchman was keen to stress that the early success should not be mistaken for a finished team. He believes the progress has come from the squad accepting his methods and committing to the work required.

“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.”

The willingness of the players to follow his instructions has been one of the most encouraging aspects of Da Cruz’s early tenure. He took charge ahead of the new campaign and has placed particular emphasis on establishing a clear identity within the team.

That process included an intensive pre-season camp in Spain, where the squad worked on the principles the coach wants to see carried into competitive matches. The first two fixtures suggest the players are beginning to understand their responsibilities within that system.

Chiefs also demonstrated their ability to respond under pressure against Kruger United. After conceding a late equaliser in the first half, they recovered strongly after the interval and Duba’s two goals ensured they started their Betway Premiership campaign with three points.

The match provided further evidence of the growing options available to Da Cruz. Duba was introduced at half-time after the injured Da Silva was forced to leave the field, and the substitute made a decisive impact.

Those early signs have generated renewed optimism around Naturena, particularly after the Toyota Cup success and the positive opening weekend. The results have given Da Cruz a strong foundation from which to continue developing his side.

There will, however, be more demanding challenges ahead as Kaizer Chiefs attempt to end their lengthy wait for league success. Da Cruz remains encouraged by the response of his squad, but insists the Glamour Boys are still a work in progress and that their best football is yet to come.