Fernando da Cruz taken ill as Kaizer Chiefs draw third successive Premiership match

Kaizer Chiefs head coach Fernando da Cruz fell ill after his side’s 1-1 Betway Premiership draw with Stellenbosch FC at FNB Stadium on Wednesday, with assistant coach Dillon Sheppard saying the club is working hard to turn promising performances into victories.

Da Cruz was late for his post-match broadcast duties on SuperSport TV and was replaced by Sheppard at the official press conference after a 10-minute wait. Sheppard said the coach had been vomiting and was being assessed by doctors.

“The coach has fallen ill,” Sheppard said. “He was vomiting, so the doctors have been checking him to see whether he’s okay.”

The result was Chiefs’ third consecutive draw in the Betway Premiership. They remain unbeaten after eight matches and sit fourth in the table, having collected 14 points from three wins and five draws since the beginning of the season.

Da Cruz had appeared frustrated on the touchline as Chiefs were forced to recover from falling behind. Stellenbosch took the lead through Sinoxolo Kwayiba before Mduduzi Shabalala levelled, but Chiefs also wasted several opportunities to complete the comeback.

Their problems in front of goal followed a difficult period defensively before the Fifa break, when they dropped six points over three matches because of mistakes at the back.

Sheppard acknowledged that the team’s recent results had been difficult to accept, but said the players and coaching staff would continue working to improve their overall performance.

“I don’t think it’s a case of settling for one point,” Sheppard said. “Each game has its different merits and dynamics. Obviously, everyone wants to win a football game.

“I think we are doing enough to win, but if you look at the type of goals that we are conceding, we have to do better – especially in defensive moments. The stats show that we are second or third in conceding chances per game.

“We are not conceding a lot of chances, but teams are scoring. It’s something that we need to improve on.”

Chiefs forward Wandile Duba was among those who had an opportunity to change the outcome against Stellenbosch.

“A young (Wandile) Duba got a chance, and if he took it, he could be a top goalscorer in the team,” Sheppard added. “But we are working, and these are things we can improve. Importantly, we are not losing games. It can be better. We want to be up there and pick up points.”

Chiefs now turn their attention to the CAF Confederation Cup group stage qualifiers, with the first leg against Red Arrows taking place in Zambia on Saturday.

They will need to win, or at least score, to take momentum into the return leg at home a week later.