Da Cruz warns Kaizer Chiefs must end costly defensive errors after Richards Bay draw

Kaizer Chiefs head coach Fernando Da Cruz has criticised his side’s defensive mistakes after they were held to a 2-2 draw by Richards Bay FC at the Princess Magogo Stadium in KwaMashu on Wednesday.

The Soweto club twice fell behind against the Natal Rich Boyz before recovering to claim a point, but Da Cruz believes his team’s errors cost them a valuable victory.

Chiefs dominated large periods of the match, yet were punished for two avoidable incidents. The first came after only eight minutes when Amakhosi captain and goalkeeper Brandon Petersen made a costly mistake. Nqaba Xulu capitalised by intercepting the ball and deflecting it into the net to give Richards Bay the lead.

Kaizer Chiefs responded in the 19th minute, with midfielder Lebohang Maboe converting from the penalty spot to bring the visitors level.

However, Richards Bay regained the advantage before half-time. Xulu scored his second goal of the match with a header from a corner that Da Cruz felt his players should have defended more effectively.

The visitors eventually secured a share of the points in the 77th minute when Siphesihle Ndlovu produced a well-taken finish to make it 2-2.

Da Cruz said the result had left him with mixed emotions. He was pleased with the way his team performed but deeply frustrated that individual mistakes had again prevented Chiefs from taking maximum points.

“Today we have eight points, but normally we should have had 12 points because against Mamelodi Sundowns we also made mistakes,” Da Cruz said.

“So today we need to learn from our mistakes and continue to work hard and look forward.”

“I have two different feelings – happy about the performance of the team because they played well, but we cannot make these types of mistakes at this level.”

The draw extended Kaizer Chiefs’ unbeaten beginning to the campaign, but it also saw them lose ground on early leaders Mamelodi Sundowns.

Amakhosi are currently third in the Betway Premiership standings, with eight points from their opening four matches. Da Cruz’s side now have a period in which to address their defensive shortcomings before their next league fixture.

Kaizer Chiefs will return to action on 5 September 2026, when they host Siwelele FC. Da Cruz will hope his players can retain the attacking and overall performance levels shown against Richards Bay while eliminating the mistakes that have already proved costly against both the Natal Rich Boyz and Mamelodi Sundowns.

The result against Richards Bay means Chiefs remain unbeaten, but their coach has made clear that avoiding further defensive lapses will be essential if they are to keep pace with the early title contenders.