Da Cruz calls for unity as Kaizer Chiefs fight to keep CAF Confederation Cup hopes alive

Kaizer Chiefs coach Fernando Da Cruz has urged the club’s players, staff and supporters to stand together as they attempt to overturn a 1-0 deficit against Red Arrows in the CAF Confederation Cup.

Chiefs were beaten by the Zambian side in the first leg of their second preliminary round tie at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium, leaving them at risk of an early exit from the competition.

The decisive second leg will be played at Moses Mabhida Stadium next Friday, with Da Cruz believing the club’s supporters can play an important role in helping his team reach the next round.

“We need them on Friday for the game to support us because I know that the team is able to reverse the result,” said Da Cruz.

The French coach said the pressure of a difficult period should bring everyone at Kaizer Chiefs closer together, rather than create divisions between the team and those around it.

“What is most important is that in difficult moments we must stay united, players, staff, club and supporters to get through this period and get better results.”

Chiefs will need to produce a significantly stronger attacking performance after creating few clear chances in Zambia. Da Cruz accepted that his side may need to adjust their approach if they are to overcome Red Arrows and recover the tie.

“For sure, we need to change something to create more chances. Normally, we create more chances in PSL,” he added.

The coach described the first leg as an unusual match for Chiefs because of their lack of attacking opportunities. He said the technical staff would now review the performance before deciding what needs to change in the return fixture.

“It’s the first time that we didn’t create a lot of chances, so we need to analyse and after we need to change something to be able to qualify.”

Kaizer Chiefs must win by at least two goals in regulation time to secure qualification. A one-goal victory would leave the aggregate score level and send the tie into extra time.

Da Cruz said the response would need to come from both his players and the supporters, with the club seeking to keep its continental campaign alive at Moses Mabhida Stadium.

The return leg presents Chiefs with the opportunity to correct the shortcomings of their display in Zambia, but Red Arrows will take a narrow advantage into the match after claiming victory in the opening encounter.