Katsande hails ‘solid’ Kaizer Chiefs before MTN8 quarter-final

Kaizer Chiefs legend Willard Katsande has praised the club’s tactical discipline and determination after their winning start to the 2026/27 season, with Fernando da Cruz’s side preparing to face Golden Arrows in the MTN8 quarter-finals.

Da Cruz began his reign as Chiefs head coach with a 3-1 victory over newly promoted Kruger United in the opening fixture of the Betway Premiership campaign. Second-half substitute Wandile Duba scored twice, while Flavio Silva was also on target for the Soweto club.

Chiefs had entered the match with some mixed feelings among their supporters after their narrow 1-0 victory over Scottland FC in the Toyota Cup. That result attracted criticism because they had not been able to overpower The Mamelodi Sundowns of Zimbabwe, despite Norman Mapeza using his second-string team in the first half.

The Toyota Cup triumph was nevertheless a positive moment for the club, who won the competition for the first time. Chiefs carried that momentum into their league opener, although Kruger United forced a 1-1 scoreline by half-time before Amakhosi pulled away after the break.

Katsande, who was speaking to KickOff.com, said Chiefs had shown greater intensity and a clear determination to secure victory.

“I think they (Chiefs) played a very good game, considering that they are coming from backlashes from their performance in the Toyota Cup. You can see the intensity and the desire to want to do it,” Katsande said, speaking toKickOff.com.

The former Chiefs player also highlighted the team’s work both in possession and when attempting to regain the ball. He felt the result was a sign that the side was beginning to impose itself on matches.

“You could see it was only a matter of time before Chiefs scored a lot of goals and they were very much on the front foot, very solid. They were very solid with the ball and without the ball.

“So I think it was a very good start, especially for a new coach coming on board and starting on a positive note, it gives you a confidence-booster going forward. Above all, I think they were solid,” the Zimbabwean-born coach added.

The victory gave Da Cruz an encouraging first result in charge after Chiefs had faced scrutiny following their Toyota Cup performance. Katsande believes the team’s resilience and organisation were important features of the opening league win.

Chiefs now turn their attention to the MTN8, where they will meet Golden Arrows in the quarter-finals. The match is scheduled for Sunday evening at FNB Stadium, with Amakhosi seeking to continue the momentum created by their successful start to the Betway Premiership season.