Da Cruz rues costly errors as Kaizer Chiefs fight back to draw with Richards Bay

Kaizer Chiefs head coach Fernando Da Cruz criticised the mistakes that allowed Richards Bay FC to take the lead twice in their 2-2 Betway Premiership draw, although he praised his side’s determination to recover in KwaMashu.

Amakhosi had to come from behind on two occasions on Wednesday night before Siphesihle Ndlovu’s 77th-minute equaliser secured a point. Da Cruz, assisted by Mahmoud Abbas, said his main frustration was not with the overall performance but with the lapses that proved decisive.

Richards Bay made the stronger start when Nqaba Xulu charged down Kaizer Chiefs goalkeeper Brandon Petersen. The ball rebounded into the net for Xulu’s second goal of the season, giving the Natal Rich Boyz an early advantage and catching the visitors cold.

Kaizer Chiefs responded positively and soon began to exert pressure on the Richards Bay defence. Luke Baartman, Mfundo Shabalala and Mdu Vilakazi formed a lively attacking combination, repeatedly creating problems for the home side.

Their pressure earned a penalty before the 20-minute mark. Lebohang Maboe took responsibility from the spot and converted to bring the visitors level, settling Kaizer Chiefs after their poor opening and giving them renewed momentum.

However, the defensive problems that had contributed to Richards Bay’s first goal returned before half-time. The hosts scored again to restore their lead, leaving Da Cruz with further concerns as his side went into the interval behind.

The match developed differently after the break, with Kaizer Chiefs increasing the tempo and pushing Richards Bay deeper. Da Cruz’s substitutions also helped change the game, as Faiz Abrahams, Wandile Duba and Asanele Velebayi brought greater energy and urgency to the attack.

That sustained pressure eventually produced the equaliser. Ndlovu found the net in the 77th minute to complete another comeback and ensure the points were shared.

Speaking after the match, Da Cruz made clear that he believed Kaizer Chiefs had done enough to win. The Portuguese coach felt his team had been the more dominant side across the 90 minutes and should have left with all three points.

He nevertheless acknowledged the positives in the performance, particularly the way his players reacted after falling behind twice. The fighting spirit shown by Amakhosi was a source of encouragement for the technical team, but Da Cruz wants his players to examine the errors that led to both Richards Bay goals.

The draw also brought a fresh injury concern for Kaizer Chiefs. Da Cruz confirmed that Langelihle Phili is expected to be out for eight weeks, adding to the problems affecting a defensive group already missing Rushwin Dortley.

Phili’s absence further reduces the options available to Da Cruz, particularly among the club’s promising young players, as the season gathers pace. While the comeback against Richards Bay demonstrated resilience, Kaizer Chiefs will need to improve their defensive concentration if they are to turn encouraging performances into victories.