Kaizer Chiefs boss Da Cruz backs young attackers as Phili begins ankle rehabilitation

Kaizer Chiefs head coach Fernando Da Cruz says he continues to trust his young attacking players as marquee signing Langelihle Phili begins his recovery from an ankle injury.

Phili has started rehabilitation after spending 10 days away from training, but Da Cruz believes the forward’s absence is not the main reason for the club’s problems in front of goal.

The update came through Kaizer Chiefs’ physical coach after their 3-2 victory over Bloemfontein Celtic at Dobsonville Stadium on Sunday evening.

Da Cruz said players introduced from the bench had made a positive impression over recent weeks, while emphasising that Phili still has an important role to play once he returns.

“Off the bench, players have been able to prove themselves over the last few weeks. He said that [Phili] is an important player for us, for that we signed him. For the moment he didn’t work during 10 days and now he’s starting his rehabilitation.He says that technically it’s a good player, it’s a player who is able to make deep runs, it’s a player who is able to eliminate in 1v1 also, but also we have other players, we work, we trust in them.”

Phili is regarded as a player capable of making runs behind the defence and beating opponents in one-on-one situations. However, Da Cruz said the squad has other options in attack and that the team is continuing to work with confidence in those players.

The Kaizer Chiefs manager said his side’s primary weakness was not the creation of opportunities, but the failure to finish them decisively inside the penalty area.

“And we create chances, it’s not the problem. Our main issue is we are not enough killer inside the box. He says the main issue today is because in the first half, we are not killers. We don’t come back with two or three goals more than the opponent. In the second-half, we are a little bit worried, a little bit afraid on the field, and we let the opponent come back. So it’s our main issue today.”

Despite securing the win against Bloemfontein Celtic, Da Cruz was concerned that Kaizer Chiefs had allowed their opponents to recover during the second half after failing to establish a more commanding advantage before the interval.

His comments underline the importance he places on taking chances when they arise, particularly after his side had created opportunities but had not converted enough of them to put the result beyond doubt.

Phili was ruled out for at least two months last month after twisting his ankle during training. His rehabilitation has now begun, although no return date has been provided.

Until he is available again, Da Cruz will rely on the attacking players already in his squad. The coach’s message after the victory was that their opportunity to contribute remains clear, even as Phili works his way back from injury.