Da Cruz urges Kaizer Chiefs to respond quickly after MTN8 defeat

Kaizer Chiefs head coach Fernando da Cruz says his team must use their MTN8 exit as a lesson and quickly redirect their attention to the competitions still available to them this season.

Amakhosi were beaten 1-0 by Golden Arrows at FNB Stadium on Sunday, with Khulekani Shezi scoring in the second half to send Abafana Besthende through to the semi-finals.

The result ended Kaizer Chiefs’ hopes of winning the MTN8 and extended the club’s wait for the trophy to 12 years. Da Cruz admitted the loss was disappointing but believes his squad has a solid base from which to continue developing.

“Today is really disappointing because we really wanted to win and progress to the next round but there are other competitions as well and we need to work hard and improve on our weaknesses,” Da Cruz said after the match.

The Frenchman, who recently took charge of Kaizer Chiefs, said the defeat had also highlighted areas that needed immediate attention. In particular, he was unhappy with the team’s performance during the opening stages of the game.

Da Cruz felt his players did not match the intensity they had shown in their previous matches, especially in challenges and contests for the ball.

“At the beginning of the match we were late in everything and including the duel but after we got better,” he said.

“But if we compare this game to the others, our beginning of the game was far from the levels we showed in the other games.”

The coach has introduced an aggressive pressing style at Kaizer Chiefs, asking his players to work hard without possession and put opponents under pressure high up the pitch.

That approach was not applied with the same intensity against Golden Arrows in the early part of the match. The visitors were able to establish themselves before eventually scoring the goal that decided the tie.

Despite the setback, Da Cruz remains confident that his side are moving in the right direction. He said the defeat should not erase the progress made during the opening weeks of his tenure.

“We’re happy with our base or foundation and we want the fans to be proud of this team in the next few weeks,” Da Cruz said.

“We’re not afraid, we’ll keep working and look forward.”

Kaizer Chiefs must now put the MTN8 disappointment behind them and concentrate on the Betway Premiership. Da Cruz will expect his players to respond quickly as they prepare to continue their league campaign following their first major setback of the season.

The club’s elimination means Golden Arrows will continue their pursuit of the MTN8, while Kaizer Chiefs’ focus shifts to improving their performances and challenging in the competitions that remain.