Da Cruz believes Kaizer Chiefs can match Mamelodi Sundowns if they find consistency

Kaizer Chiefs coach Fernando da Cruz says his side have shown they can compete with Mamelodi Sundowns, but admits he cannot yet be certain they can sustain that level over an entire season.

Sundowns are widely regarded as the outstanding team in domestic football at present. They underlined that status by beating Betway Premiership champions Orlando Pirates in the MTN8 final at Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday night, securing the first domestic trophy of the season.

The club had already established itself as the leading team on the continent and in the Asian and Pacific regions after winning the CAF Champions League and Fifa African-Asian-Pacific Cup respectively.

Sundowns’ success has left other teams eager to test themselves against the club currently at the top of those regions.

Da Cruz was speaking before Kaizer Chiefs’ match against Stellenbosch at FNB Stadium on Tuesday night, which is scheduled to begin at 7:30 pm. He pointed to Chiefs’ earlier meeting with Sundowns at the same ground, when they held them to a 1-1 draw, as evidence that his players are capable of competing with the reigning force.

“We saw at the beginning of the season that we can compete against Mamelodi Sundowns in that one game,” he said. “We played very well against them.

“Our objective is to compete throughout the season, and complete all the steps against them throughout the season in the PSL. However, at the moment, I can’t say whether we are able to do that or not.”

Chiefs return to action after the FIFA break looking to preserve their unbeaten start to the league campaign. They sit fourth in the table with 13 points, seven fewer than leaders Sundowns, who have played one additional match.

The match against Stellenbosch will also test Da Cruz’s options in midfield. Lebohang Maboe, Siphesihle Ndlovu and Adolf Mtasingwa are all unavailable through injury, leaving Sibongiseni Mthethwa as the only fit regular central midfielder.

Despite the lack of established options in that area, Da Cruz said the situation would not affect his preparations.

“I understand the question very well, and directly,” he said when asked about Mthethwa being the most recognisable central midfielder available for selection. “But we have prepared some things, and you’ll see tomorrow.”