Kaizer Chiefs boss Fernando Da Cruz asks for patience over Faiz Abrahams

Kaizer Chiefs coach Fernando Da Cruz has urged supporters to be patient with young attacker Faiz Abrahams, who is still being prepared after arriving at the club on a season-long loan from Stellenbosch FC.

Abrahams, 21, completed his move to Naturena last week. The agreement allows Kaizer Chiefs to sign him permanently at the end of the season, should the club choose to exercise the option included in the loan deal.

The winger was not included in the match-day squad for Sunday’s MTN8 match against Golden Arrows, when Kaizer Chiefs were eliminated from the competition at FNB Stadium.

Da Cruz said Abrahams’ lack of a pre-season had left him behind his new team-mates and explained that the club would introduce him gradually rather than rush him into action.

“And then for Faiz he had no pre-season,” said da Cruz.

“He comes without nothing so we are making a plan for him now and we will prepare him step by step.”

“So, you need to be patient.”

The comments provide an update on Abrahams’ situation after his move from Stellenbosch FC, where he progressed through the club’s development ranks before breaking into the first team.

The player also spent time with Hapoel Kfar Saba in Israel and previously represented Cape Town Spurs. He was an influential member of the South Africa U20 side during their successful U20 Africa Cup of Nations campaign last year.

Despite that experience, Abrahams was not involved when Kaizer Chiefs’ MTN8 campaign came to an end against Golden Arrows. Da Cruz’s explanation indicates that the attacker’s immediate absence was linked to his fitness and preparation rather than a decision to move him out of the club’s plans.

Kaizer Chiefs’ supporters will therefore have to wait before seeing their new signing compete for a place in the team. The club is now working on a step-by-step programme to bring Abrahams up to the required level following his arrival from Stellenbosch FC.

His loan includes the possibility of a permanent transfer at the end of the season, giving Abrahams the opportunity to establish himself at Naturena while Kaizer Chiefs assess his progress.

The update comes as attention turns to the Betway Premiership, following the club’s early exit from the MTN8. Abrahams’ development will be monitored as Da Cruz continues to prepare the young attacker for his opportunity with Kaizer Chiefs.