Kaizer Chiefs boss Fernando da Cruz sets sights on long season after winning start

Kaizer Chiefs coach Fernando da Cruz says there is still plenty of work to do despite beginning his time in charge with a victory over newly promoted Kruger United at the weekend.

The Frenchman’s first match as Chiefs head coach ended in the result many expected, but the 2-0 win also highlighted the scale of change at the club. Da Cruz selected only three players from the starting XI that featured in Chiefs’ opening match of last season against Stellenbosch FC.

Brandon Petersen, Thabiso Monyane and Inacio Miguel were the only players to retain their places from that fixture, which Chiefs also won 2-0.

Da Cruz is the latest coach to take charge of Amakhosi since Ernst Middendorp was dismissed after leading the side to a second-place finish in the league six years ago. Gavin Hunt, Stuart Baxter, Arthur Zwane, Molefi Ntseki, Cavin Johnson and Nasreddine Nabi have all held the role during that period, while Khalil Ben Youssef and Cedric Kaze have also been involved in leading the team.

Ben Youssef and Kaze were in charge for the match against Stellenbosch, with Nabi absent in Tunisia for private reasons.

Siphesihle Ndlovu, Sibongiseni Mthethwa, Wandile Duba, Nkosingiphile Ngcobo and Mfundo Vilakazi have appeared in both the opening games of the two seasons, although none of them started both matches.

Asked about how his plans had been implemented, Da Cruz said the players had responded positively to his approach.

“Some works have been implemented for sure,” says Da Cruz after being asked about his plan of execution.

“For the moment, the players like this game model for sure and like working hard every day with us.

“So, I hope that it will continue, but I know that the season will be long and we have a lot of work again,” he adds.

The next challenge for Da Cruz comes in the MTN8, with Chiefs returning to the competition at home against Golden Arrows on Sunday.

Their schedule then includes matches against Sekhukhune United and Mamelodi Sundowns. Alongside their league campaign and MTN8 commitments, Chiefs will also compete in the Carling Knockout, Nedbank Cup and CAF Confederation Cup.

That demanding programme is expected to provide a significant examination of the squad available to Da Cruz, particularly after a number of players have already left or are preparing to depart.

Glody Makabi Lilepo and Ashley du Preez are on their way out, while Lehlogonolo Matlou, Happy Mashiane, Tashreeq Morris, Aden McCarthy, Fiacre Ntwari, who is leaving on loan, and Gaston Sirino have already gone.

Da Cruz’s immediate focus is therefore on maintaining the positive start while continuing to develop his preferred style of play. The victory over Kruger United offered an encouraging beginning, but the coach has stressed that the campaign will be long and that further work will be required as Chiefs face a far heavier run of fixtures.