Kaizer Chiefs reaffirm faith in Fernando da Cruz despite mounting pressure

Kaizer Chiefs sporting director Kaizer Motaung Junior has backed coach Fernando da Cruz, despite growing calls from supporters for the club to end his tenure after a run of disappointing results.

The pressure intensified on Friday when Chiefs were eliminated from the CAF Confederation Cup by Zambia’s Red Arrows in the second preliminary round at Moses Mabhida Stadium. The match ended 1-1 before Red Arrows prevailed 3-2 on penalties, securing a 4-1 aggregate victory after winning the first leg 1-0 in Ndola the previous Saturday.

The result extended Chiefs’ winless run to five matches in all competitions. Amakhosi have drawn four of those games and lost one, prompting many fans to urge the club’s management to dismiss Da Cruz.

Motaung, however, said the club remained committed to the French coach and his technical staff before a demanding week for the Soweto side.

Chiefs begin that run with a Carling Knockout first-round match against TS Galaxy at FNB Stadium on Tuesday. They then face bitter rivals Orlando Pirates at the same venue 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 in a statement.

“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.”

The backing comes despite the latest setback ending Chiefs’ continental campaign at the earliest qualifying stage. Red Arrows’ victory followed a closely contested second leg, with neither side able to find a winning goal during normal play before the tie was decided in the shootout.

Chiefs have also been linked with Manqoba Mngqithi, who left Tanzanian club Yanga on Saturday.