Da Cruz calls for greater leadership after Kaizer Chiefs edge Siwelele FC

Kaizer Chiefs coach Fernando Da Cruz has criticised his team’s lack of leadership, character and personality in defence despite their 3-2 victory over Siwelele FC in the Betway Premiership on Sunday evening.

The result lifted the Amakhosi back into third place, above AmaZulu, and extended their unbeaten start to five matches. Goals from Mfundo Vilakazi, Wandile Duba and an own goal secured maximum points for Chiefs.

However, Da Cruz was far from satisfied with the way his side managed the contest, particularly after Siwelele scored twice through Aphiwe Baliti and Evand Nguessan.

Chiefs had been held by African champions Mamelodi Sundowns and Richards Bay FC before Sunday’s match, results which had placed their position in the top three under pressure. They responded by returning to winning ways, but their coach believes significant work remains to be done at both ends of the pitch.

“In the first half, we created a lot of chances, but we didn’t score enough and in the second half we had two chances and score two goals, so we have an issue about that. We need to work a lot on our defensive part to not give chances to the opponent,” Da Cruz told SuperSport TV.

The French coach said Chiefs were not clinical enough in either penalty area and warned that their defensive shortcomings could prove costly in future matches.

“We created a lot of chances, but we didn’t score so after that you can make mistakes because you’re not enough killer in the two boxes as either offensively and defensively. We have a lack of leadership, lack of character in our defensive line, a lack of personality in our defensive line so we need to correct that and work a lot,” Da Cruz said.

Despite the criticism, the return of several players from injury offers Chiefs increased options as the campaign continues. Reeve Frosler, Langelihle Phili and Flavio da Silva are among those recovering, with Phili and Flavio involved against Siwelele.

Da Cruz believes having more of his squad available will strengthen his selection options in both defence and attack.

“For sure, we need to recover players from our defensive line but also for our offensive line. Today Phili and Flavio was there so when everyone comes back we will have more options for the starting line-up,” Da Cruz said.

Chiefs’ unbeaten record remains intact, but Da Cruz’s comments underline his concern that the team must become more decisive in front of goal while showing greater composure and authority in their own defensive line.