Chiefs’ early MTN8 exit puts pressure on Da Cruz rebuild

Kaizer Chiefs’ elimination from the MTN8 has increased the pressure on coach Fernando Da Cruz, but the setback could yet serve as a turning point in their attempt to rebuild and challenge for major honours this season.

Chiefs were beaten 1-0 by Golden Arrows in the Wafa Wafa quarter-final on Saturday night, missing out on the first silverware of the campaign. Their defeat was particularly painful for the Amakhosi supporters, who had earlier seen rivals Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns book their places in the semi-finals.

The result has raised immediate questions about Chiefs’ progress under Da Cruz, who was recently appointed as the club’s new head coach. The Frenchman has been joined by a refreshed technical team and a group of new players, including Langelihle Phili, Thabo Moloisane, Faiz Abrahams and Adolf Mtasingwa Bitegeko.

Da Cruz returned to Chiefs after working as Nasreddine Nabi’s assistant for a month. His previous familiarity with the squad was expected to help the team make a strong start, particularly in a competition as significant as the MTN8.

Chiefs’ pre-season camp in Marbella, Spain, was designed to help establish Da Cruz’s methods and integrate Moloisane, the only new signing to travel with the squad. The 54-year-old has made clear that he wants his team to play attacking football, using possession-based football alongside the speed and intensity required to move into the final third quickly.

That approach has not yet been reflected consistently in Chiefs’ performances. The team have struggled to make the most of their opportunities in the final third, while Luke Baartman and Mfundo Vilakazi have not yet taken full advantage of the chances they have received since the beginning of the season.

A slow start, combined with a reliance on young players, has placed further pressure on Da Cruz as Chiefs try to develop their squad while also producing results.

The club has responded by strengthening its attacking options. Phili joined on a permanent deal from Stellenbosch, while Abrahams moved to Chiefs on loan. In the opposite direction, Stellenbosch received a transfer fee, Ashley Du Preez and Given Msimango.

The two new arrivals may need time to settle at Chiefs, but their previous partnership at Stellenbosch could help them adapt more quickly and regain their best form once they become accustomed to their new surroundings.

Although the early MTN8 exit is a disappointment, it does not have to define Chiefs’ season. The setback may give Da Cruz the opportunity to build a stronger campaign over time, with the long-term objective of challenging reigning champions Orlando Pirates and serial winners Mamelodi Sundowns for the league title.

Pirates and Sundowns already have momentum, but Chiefs could still disrupt the expected order. Their rivals may not anticipate a title challenge from them, while Chiefs have a relatively young squad that is determined to win trophies.

Winning the MTN8 can establish the mood for the rest of a season, but the league title remains the ultimate domestic prize. Chiefs have not won the championship since 2015, although that success demonstrated that a new coach can quickly deliver results. Stuart Baxter guided them to the title that year, despite Chiefs also suffering an early MTN8 exit after losing to Sundowns.

If their performances improve during the remainder of the campaign, Chiefs could also achieve a strong result in the CAF Confederation Cup and return to the spotlight.

The club must accept that its season has begun disappointingly, but it cannot allow that result to determine what follows. The MTN8 defeat should instead be treated as a wake-up call, with Chiefs aiming to finish strongly and perhaps match or surpass the success they enjoyed in 2015.