Kaizer Chiefs back Fernando da Cruz despite five-game winless run

Kaizer Chiefs sporting director Kaizer Motaung Junior says the club remains fully behind head coach Fernando da Cruz despite mounting pressure following their CAF Confederation Cup exit.

Chiefs were eliminated by Zambian side Red Arrows at the second preliminary-round stage on Friday, losing 3-2 on penalties at Moses Mabhida Stadium after the match ended 1-1. Red Arrows had won the first leg 1-0 in Ndola the previous Saturday.

The result extended a difficult run for Amakhosi, who have now gone five matches without a victory in all competitions. Their sequence consists of four draws and one defeat, prompting calls from a number of supporters for Da Cruz to be dismissed.

Motaung, however, has rejected any suggestion that the club’s faith in the coach has diminished. His statement came before a significant week for the Soweto club, which begins with a Carling Knockout first-round tie against TS Galaxy at FNB Stadium on Tuesday.

Chiefs will then remain at the same venue for their meeting with bitter rivals Orlando Pirates on Saturday.

“As a club, we would like to reaffirm our full support for, and confidence in, the head coach and the entire technical team. They continue to have our trust as they lead the implementation of a football philosophy and development pathway that we firmly believe will bring sustainable success,” Motaung said.

He also defended the approach and commitment of Da Cruz and his staff following the disappointment against Red Arrows.

“Their professionalism, work ethic, and commitment to improving the team every day remain irreproachable. The team is fighting hard every game to uphold a high standard of performance, and yesterday, despite the result and the injuries we carry, that warrior spirit was visible on the field,” Motaung added.

The defeat to Red Arrows ended Chiefs’ hopes of progressing in the CAF Confederation Cup after they were unable to overturn the first-leg deficit in Durban. The sides remained level after normal time before the Zambian club prevailed in the shootout.

Chiefs’ next opportunity to end their winless spell comes against TS Galaxy in the Carling Knockout. They then face Orlando Pirates four days later in a fixture that adds further importance to an already demanding period.

Meanwhile, Chiefs have been linked with Manqoba Mngqithi after he left Tanzanian club Yanga on Saturday.