Kaizer Chiefs boss Da Cruz demands greater character after defensive struggles

Kaizer Chiefs coach Fernando Da Cruz says his players must show more character and personality after conceding twice in a match for a second successive game.

Chiefs beat Siwelele 3-2 at Dobsonville Stadium on Sunday night, but Da Cruz was unhappy with the way his side allowed the visitors to take advantage of limited opportunities.

Amakhosi had drawn 2-2 with Richards Bay at Princess Magogo Stadium two weeks earlier in their previous match, and Da Cruz believes the defensive problems are not purely technical.

“The first step is to make a match analysis and to correct the technical side but it’s not only that, I think also it [the rate at which they’ve been conceding] depends on the spirit and the mentality of the players.

“They need to have personality on the field to avoid conceding like this,” Da Cruz stated.

Mfundo Vilakazi and Wandile Duba scored for Chiefs against Siwelele. Their third goal was recorded as an own goal by Siwelele goalkeeper Samukelo Xulu, after a well-delivered free-kick from Faiz Abrahams deflected off Xulu’s head.

Despite securing three points, Da Cruz felt his side failed to make the most of a dominant first-half display. Chiefs created several opportunities but were unable to establish a more commanding lead before the interval.

“In the first half we were very good in possession. We created a lot of chances but we were not strong enough inside the box and normally we need to come back to the dressing room with two or three goals more than the opponent,” Da Cruz said.

The coach also criticised the team’s reaction after Siwelele reduced the deficit. He said Chiefs became anxious and lost their defensive discipline, even though they went on to score again.

“Then we scored our second goal but directly after Siwelele scored their first goal we were worried and on the defensive part it was not good.

“We scored again but since the first goal of Siwelele we were worried on the field,” Da Cruz stated.

Da Cruz said the result was deserved when the overall balance of the match was considered, but he highlighted the visitors’ efficiency in front of goal as a major concern.

“To conclude, we deserve the three points if you look at all the games but our regret is that the opponent came two times into our box; they scored two times, so they have 100% success.”

Chiefs have now conceded seven goals in six matches this season, with five of those games coming in the league and one in the MTN8.

Their next fixture is against Polokwane City at the Old Peter Mokaba Stadium on Saturday, with kick-off scheduled for 15:00.