Kaizer Chiefs boss Da Cruz explains decision to use three centre-backs

Kaizer Chiefs coach Fernando da Cruz says injuries to his available left-backs forced him to use three centre-backs in the club’s last two matches against Mamelodi Sundowns and Richards Bay.

The tactical decision to field Inacio Miguel, Zitha Kwinika and new signing Thabo Moloisane in central defence was criticised by some Chiefs supporters, who viewed the system as overly cautious and defensive.

Chiefs drew 1-1 with Sundowns at FNB Stadium before being held to a 2-2 draw by Richards Bay at Princess Magogo Stadium.

“The context is important because almost all of our left-backs were injured and unavailable for those two games. For me, the most important thing is not to play with five or four defenders, but the information you give players,” Da Cruz said on Wednesday during a Chiefs media open day at Naturena.

“Playing with three centre-backs doesn’t mean you’ll be limited offensively. The most important thing is the ideas I give the players. I give my players ammunition and my team is able to play different formations in one game, so I can’t say playing with three centre-backs isn’t necessarily my philosophy.”

Bradley Cross, Paseka Mako, Nkanyiso Shinga and Kabelo Nkgwesa were all unavailable because of injury for the matches against Sundowns and Richards Bay.

That left Chiefs using right-footed winger Pule Mmodi at left-back. Mmodi had been on the fringes of the first-team picture before being asked to fill the unfamiliar defensive role.

Chiefs return to action against Siwelele at Dobsonville Stadium on Sunday at 17:30. Da Cruz confirmed that Cross, Mako and Nkgwesa remain doubts because they have not yet recovered fully, despite returning to training.

Right-back Thabiso Monyane will be out for four weeks, while striker Flavio Silva is expected to be available again in about two weeks.

Reeve Frosler, a versatile right-back who can also play on the left, is expected to start at left-back against Siwelele.

The weekend’s league fixtures are:

Friday Gallants v Polokwane, Royal Bafokeng Richards Bay v AmaZulu, Princess Magogo

Saturday Chippa v Milford, Nelson Mandela Bay, 15:00 Sekhukhune v Galaxy, Old Peter Mokaba Stadium, 17:30

Sunday Arrows v Sundowns, King Zwelithini Stadium, 15:00 Chiefs v Siwelele, Dobsonville Stadium, 17:30

In the CAF Champions League, Orlando Pirates play La Cure Sylvester in Mauritius on Sunday at 13:30. The match will be held at the Cote d’Or National Sports Complex.

In the CAF Confederation Cup, Durban City host Rukinzo of Burundi at Moses Mabhida Stadium on Sunday at 15:00.

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