Lilepo confident Da Cruz can restore Kaizer Chiefs to the top

Former Kaizer Chiefs forward Glody Lilepo believes Fernando Da Cruz has the foundations needed to guide the club back to major honours, but says the new-look squad must be given time to develop.

The Democratic Republic of the Congo international left Naturena after an 18-month spell with Amakhosi and recently joined Libyan club Al Ahly Benghazi. He has now offered his assessment of the changes taking place at the Soweto club under their new head coach.

Kaizer Chiefs have recruited several players as they attempt to build a squad capable of competing at the highest level once again. Lilepo is encouraged by the early signs but accepts that a settled team will not be created immediately.

“I am happy with the team. They have signed a lot of good players. The coach has selected many new players who can bring change to the team,” Lilepo told Soccer Laduma.

“They have already played some games, so now we have to give them time and wish them good luck. We will see how they finish the league. But I believe strongly that the team can do well.

“When we left, the team was in third place, and now they have started again with a new team and new players. So, we have to give them time. I believe they can do well.”

Kaizer Chiefs are currently third in the Betway Premiership after taking eight points from their first four matches. They have won two games and drawn two.

Da Cruz’s team will try to extend that positive beginning when they face Siwelele FC at Dobsonville Stadium on Sunday.

Lilepo’s comments come after a period of progress at Kaizer Chiefs that included the club ending its lengthy wait for a trophy during the time he was at Naturena.

The 29-year-old discussed his spell with Amakhosi in detail in an exclusive interview with Soccer Laduma, conducted with the assistance of interpreter Alain Kibangula.

He reflected on his move to Kaizer Chiefs from Valenciennes, his relationship with former head coach Nasreddine Nabi and the changes that followed Nabi’s departure. Lilepo also spoke about his connection with the club’s supporters.

The forward addressed the circumstances surrounding his departure, including his omission from the squad that travelled to Spain for a pre-season camp. He insisted that he had never tried to force an exit from Kaizer Chiefs.

Lilepo spent a year and a half with the club before joining Al Ahly Benghazi, but he continues to take an interest in the team’s prospects under Da Cruz. His view is that the squad’s strong start provides encouragement, while the number of new arrivals means patience will remain important.

The full Glody Lilepo interview is available in Soccer Laduma edition 1490, which is now on sale.

Photo: Samuel Shivambu/BackpagePix