Kaizer Chiefs boss Fernando da Cruz urges calm ahead of Mamelodi Sundowns challenge

Kaizer Chiefs coach Fernando da Cruz says his players must remain calm and concentrate on their own performance when they face African champions Mamelodi Sundowns at FNB Stadium on Saturday.

The match, which kicks off at 15:00, represents an early test for Da Cruz, who has seen Chiefs win their opening two league games of the season. Those results have placed Amakhosi at the top of the standings.

However, Chiefs face a particularly difficult opponent. The Soweto club have not beaten Mamelodi Sundowns in their past 10 league meetings, with their last victory coming five years ago in an empty stadium.

Da Cruz believes the importance of the fixture should provide his players with enough motivation, but he does not want them to become distracted by the occasion before kick-off.

“For me, it is easier to prepare for these types of games because the motivation is natural for players,” says Da Cruz.

“But I don’t want the players to play this game before the game happens at 3pm (on Saturday).

“We need to keep our mind very cold and just be focused on our performance,” he says, noting the preparation time.

The Chiefs coach said his side had limited time to prepare, but insisted their attention was now firmly on the reigning African champions.

“We don’t have a lot of time but need to be focused on Mamelodi Sundowns now.

“We have analysed them, but we know that it will be a tough game, and from our squad and our technical staff, it will be for us to push our level to be the same and make it a Champions League game.

Da Cruz also highlighted the difference in experience between the two squads and coaching setups. Mamelodi Sundowns have worked together for a considerable period, while Da Cruz has only been in charge of Chiefs for about a month and a half.

“…the difference between us and Sundowns is that they have played together for a long time.

“Also, their coach (Miguel Cardoso) has been there longer, while I just arrived a month-and-a-half ago but have put my game model on the field and players understand it well. But we need time as well.

Despite the challenge, Da Cruz said he was satisfied with the progress made by his players since the start of pre-season and was confident they would be prepared for Saturday’s encounter.

“…the team will be ready.

“Since the beginning of pre-season, I have been happy with our possession during the game, and we have had more of the ball than the opponent.

“Maybe on Saturday, it will be different,” says Da Cruz.

The fixture will test whether Chiefs can maintain their perfect start to the league campaign against a Mamelodi Sundowns side that has proved a persistent obstacle in recent meetings.

The match also comes as Chiefs continue adjusting to Da Cruz’s methods, with the coach acknowledging that his team still needs time to develop the same level of understanding and cohesion as their opponents.