Kaizer Chiefs target league climb after dropping points against Richards Bay

Kaizer Chiefs head coach Fernando da Cruz says his side must become more clinical in the final third and eliminate mistakes if they are to remain among the leading teams in the Betway Premiership.

Amakhosi are third in the standings with eight points from four matches after recording two victories and two draws. However, their latest result left supporters frustrated after Chiefs surrendered the lead twice before settling for a 2-2 draw against Richards Bay on Saturday.

The result allowed early pace-setters and rivals Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns to gain ground, with Chiefs unable to maintain a perfect start to the campaign. Da Cruz believes the Soweto club could have collected the maximum 12 points had they taken their opportunities in the two matches that ended in draws.

“When we play games, we always want to win. Nobody expected us to have 12 points, in the two draws we lost four points, because against Mamelodi (Sundowns) and Richards Bay we lost four points, because for me we could have won these games,” da Cruz said.

The French coach, who previously managed AS FAR, was speaking to the media at Kaizer Chiefs’ headquarters in Naturena on Wednesday ahead of Sunday’s meeting with Siwelele.

The league fixture will be played at Dobsonville Stadium, where Chiefs will be looking to close the gap on the teams above them and keep themselves firmly in contention near the top of the table.

Da Cruz warned that Siwelele should not be underestimated, stressing the quality and competitiveness of the domestic campaign. He said Chiefs would approach the match with respect for their opponents while continuing to develop their style of play.

“We’re respectful about Siwelele, because this championship is very hard, it’s one of the best championships in Africa, so we respect all our opponents, it will be a tough game,” da Cruz said.

The coach identified two areas that require immediate improvement: composure and efficiency when Chiefs reach the final third, and greater discipline in avoiding errors during matches.

“But also we continue on our way in possession, we need to be more killer in the final third (and) we also need to correct our mistakes to be sure to stay in the top of the league,” the French coach added.

Chiefs’ draw with Richards Bay, known as The Natal Rich Boyz, was the second occasion this season on which they dropped points after being in a position to win. Their earlier draw against Mamelodi Sundowns also contributed to the four points Da Cruz feels his team should have secured.

Despite those setbacks, Chiefs remain third and within the group challenging at the top of the Betway Premiership. Da Cruz’s message before the Siwelele match is clear: respect the opposition, keep possession, improve decision-making in attack and cut out the mistakes that have prevented the team from making a stronger start.