Kaizer Chiefs back Fernando da Cruz after CAF Confederation Cup exit

Kaizer Chiefs have reaffirmed their support for head coach Fernando da Cruz and his technical staff after the club were eliminated from the CAF Confederation Cup by Red Arrows on penalties on Friday.

Sporting director Kaizer Motaung Junior said the coaching team retained the club’s “full support and confidence” despite the disappointing early exit from continental competition.

The statement acknowledged the frustration felt by Kaizer Chiefs’ supporters, players, staff and other stakeholders after the result, while also stressing the importance of maintaining a long-term perspective.

“Competing at continental level brings high expectations, and when results do not meet those expectations, naturally there is frustration and reflection,” the club said.

However, Kaizer Chiefs insisted that one match or one competition would not determine the success of its wider sporting project. The club said progress would instead depend on consistency, resilience and continued commitment to its established strategy.

The statement offered clear backing to Da Cruz and his technical team as they work to introduce the club’s football philosophy and development pathway.

It described their professionalism, work ethic and commitment to improving the team as “irreproachable”, adding that the players were continuing to fight in every match to maintain high performance standards.

“Yesterday, despite the result and the injuries we carry, that warrior spirit was visible on the field,” the club said.

Kaizer Chiefs also maintained that significant progress had been made in important areas of the sporting project. It accepted that setbacks were an inevitable part of an ambitious journey but said the defeat had not changed its belief in the direction being taken.

The club said it remained united behind its objectives, playing identity and long-term plans for success domestically and across the continent.

It added that decisions would not be made purely in response to the emotion surrounding an adverse result. Instead, performances would continue to be assessed through careful analysis, with lessons taken from the defeat and improvements made where necessary.

“Our responsibility is not to be guided solely by the emotion of an adverse result, but rather by careful analysis, stability, and strategic decision-making,” the statement said.

Kaizer Chiefs also recognised the disappointment of their supporters and thanked them for their continued passion and backing. The club said the standards expected at the institution remained high and that everyone in the football department was committed to meeting them.

The statement ended with a call for unity, insisting that the club believed in the work being undertaken, the people leading it and the foundations being established for future success.

“We move forward together with determination, accountability, and confidence in the future,” Kaizer Chiefs said.