Da Cruz backs Kaizer Chiefs to improve after MTN8 exit

Kaizer Chiefs head coach Fernando Da Cruz says his side can respond positively after being knocked out of the MTN8 in the quarter-final stage.

The Glamour Boys suffered a 1-0 defeat by Golden Arrows at FNB Stadium at the weekend, ending their return to Wafa Wafa after a two-year absence. The result brought a disappointing early conclusion to their campaign in the competition.

Da Cruz’s team had begun their Betway Premiership season with an impressive 3-1 victory over newcomers Kruger United. However, the loss to Golden Arrows was the Frenchman’s first defeat since taking charge of Kaizer Chiefs.

Despite the setback, the 54-year-old coach said the performance had provided encouragement and backed his players to produce stronger displays in the weeks ahead.

“It’s very disappointing for the players because they put in a lot of effort. Also, for the fans because a lot of them came to the stadium,” he told the club’s website.

“We had a lot of chances to score but we didn’t take them and unfortunately they scored with their only chance from a cross.

“Regarding our chances, we lacked lucidity [composure] inside the box. Even after they scored we had opportunities but we need to work on being calmer in those situations.

“I am happy with the mindset of the players.

“We wanted to go further in this tournament and we are disappointed to be eliminated but we still have other competitions to compete in and we will continue to work hard to improve step by step.

“I want the fans to be proud of the team in the next few weeks.”

The defeat was particularly frustrating for Kaizer Chiefs because they created several opportunities but failed to convert them. Golden Arrows, by contrast, made the decisive breakthrough with what Da Cruz described as their only chance, scored from a cross.

The coach identified composure in the penalty area as the main area for improvement. He said his players continued to create openings after conceding, but needed to remain calmer when opportunities came their way.

Da Cruz also acknowledged the disappointment felt by supporters, many of whom attended the match at FNB Stadium. Nevertheless, he said the attitude shown by the squad offered reason for optimism as Kaizer Chiefs turn their attention to the other competitions still available to them.

The coach’s immediate message was that the MTN8 elimination should not define the team’s progress under his leadership. While the result ended their hopes in the tournament, he insisted the squad would continue working to improve gradually and aimed to give the club’s fans reasons to feel proud in the coming weeks.

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