Chiefs captain Petersen promises ‘exciting football’ under da Cruz

Kaizer Chiefs captain and goalkeeper Brandon Petersen says supporters should expect “exciting football” from the club’s new technical team, led by head coach Fernando da Cruz.

Chiefs began their league campaign with victory over newcomers Kruger United at Mbombela Stadium on Saturday. Their next match is a home MTN8 quarter-final against Golden Arrows at FNB Stadium on Sunday, when Amakhosi will look to build on that opening success.

Da Cruz took charge last month after replacing interim co-coaches Khalil Ben Youssef and Cedric Kaze. The French coach is familiar to some of the Chiefs squad, having previously spent a short period at the club two years ago as then coach Nasredine Nabi’s first assistant.

Petersen believes that familiarity, along with Da Cruz’s approach, has helped establish a positive atmosphere since the new technical team arrived.

“I think Chiefs fans can look forward to exciting football. Coach Fernando is a guy that wants the ball; he wants us on the ball, he wants us to play with confidence and express ourselves,” Petersen said.

“There are no limitations and as players we are responding well to that. The communication line between us as players and the new technical team has been open from the start. Everyone feels comfortable approaching each other.”

The Chiefs captain said the players had responded well to the freedom given to them and that communication between the squad and coaching staff had been strong from the outset.

The club strengthened its squad before travelling to Spain for a pre-season training camp, signing defender Thabo Moloisane and goalkeeper Renaldo Leaner.

Since then, Chiefs have added Tanzanian midfielder Adolf Mtasingwa and 21-year-old winger Langelihle Phili. Phili joined from Stellenbosch on Tuesday and was described as an exciting addition to the squad.

Petersen said the recent arrivals had adapted quickly and credited the existing relationship between Da Cruz and several members of the team with helping the process.

“The new players have been adapting very well. Coach Fernando is not new to a lot of us … I mean he was here two years ago,” the Chiefs captain said.

“The new guys have really felt at home. For us it’s important to create that sense of belonging for whoever comes in to make sure that they feel at home and feel welcomed.”

With Chiefs preparing for their meeting with Golden Arrows, the club also confirmed a departure on Wednesday morning.

Congolese winger Glody Lilepo has been sold to Libyan side Al Ahly Benghazi, bringing a change to the squad as Da Cruz begins his latest spell at Amakhosi.

The club’s immediate focus, however, is on Sunday’s MTN8 quarter-final at FNB Stadium, where Petersen and his team-mates will aim to continue the winning start begun against Kruger United.