Chiefs seek to halt Arrows and build on promising new era

Kaizer Chiefs will look to continue their bright start under Fernando da Cruz when they face Lamontville Golden Arrows in the MTN8 quarter-final at FNB Stadium this evening.

Amakhosi began the new Betway Premiership campaign with a 3-1 victory over newcomers Kruger United last weekend, but the meeting with Arrows represents a more significant test of Da Cruz’s plans for the club.

Chiefs have recently strengthened their relationship with Stellenbosch FC, with several players moving between the two clubs. The latest deal saw winger Langelihle Phili, a winner of the under-20 Africa Cup of Nations, move from the Winelands to Johannesburg. The transfer included a fee and defender Given Msimango going in the opposite direction.

Right-winger Faiz Adams has also joined Chiefs on a season-long loan with an option to buy, while centre-back Thabo Moloisane arrived as a free agent after his contract with Stellenbosch expired.

Phili was one of Stellenbosch’s standout performers last season, scoring nine goals and collecting both the Player of the Season and Players’ Player of the Season awards.

His arrival has been widely viewed as a major coup by the Chiefs supporters, who will nevertheless hope the 21-year-old is not burdened with responsibility to carry the side. Academy graduates Mduduzi Shabalala and Mfundo Vilakazi have previously faced similar expectations.

Phili and fellow new arrival Abrahams are both 21, while Asanele Velebayi is 23. Centre-forward Luke Baartman and attacking midfielder Vilakazi are both 20, reflecting sporting director Kaizer Motaung Jnr’s stated desire to lower the average age of the squad.

Chiefs will also receive a bye into the next stage of the Caf Confederation Cup and will not have to play in the preliminary round.

A new attacking approach

The victory against Motsepe Foundation Championship winners Kruger United offered an early indication of Da Cruz’s preferred style. Chiefs used their wide players as a key attacking outlet, while varying the way they built play through midfield to avoid becoming predictable.

The coach will hope Flavio Silva can provide the finishing touch in the penalty area by converting the chances created from either flank.

That approach is different from the recruitment strategy associated with Nasreddine Nabi, who wanted Chiefs to pursue established names such as Fiston Mayele and Feisal Salum. Both players had been prominent during Nabi’s successful spell at Young Africans in Tanzania, where he won a domestic double treble.

Da Cruz’s background in youth development suggests he is more comfortable working with younger players who fit the profile sought by Motaung Jnr.

Chiefs have also added strength in central midfield through Adolf Mtasingwa. The 27-year-old Tanzania vice-captain is a defensive midfielder known for his ability to distribute both short and long passes. His presence could offer a fresh opportunity to Siphesihle Ndlovu, Lebohang Maboe and Sibongiseni Mthethwa.

In goal, Bruce Bvuma is the most experienced option, but 20-year-old Renaldo Leaner appears set to deputise for Brandon Petersen and compete for the number-one position.

Areas still to solve

Despite the optimism around what some supporters regard as Chiefs’ best transfer window for several years, Da Cruz has acknowledged that the squad still lacks a number 10.

That position is regarded as important if Chiefs are to close the gap on Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates. Pirates ended Sundowns’ run of eight successive league titles last season.

Da Cruz’s demand for a creative midfielder comes from Chiefs’ difficulties in breaking down opponents who defended with a low block last season.

The left-back position is another unresolved issue. Da Cruz must decide whether to continue using utility player Lyle Foster ahead of Bradley Cross and Paseka Mako. Nkanyiso Shinga, who was signed before last season, made little impact because of injury but has now returned to full training.

The outcome against Arrows could shape the mood around the new project. Defeat would risk bringing frustration back to the club and could push Chiefs towards the kind of desperation that has affected their recruitment in the past.

Chiefs have gone through 10 coaches during the period in which Klopp transformed Liverpool into a trophy-winning side, with only Nabi delivering a trophy during his time at Naturena Village.

Da Cruz must therefore convince supporters that the decision to remove the co-coaching team, which guided Chiefs to third place last season their highest finish in many years was the correct one.