Kaizer Chiefs coach Fernando Da Cruz backs squad to bounce back amid growing pressure

Kaizer Chiefs head coach Fernando Da Cruz has urged supporters to remain patient, insisting that improved results will follow as the Soweto giants prepare for a crucial Carling Knockout clash against TS Galaxy.

The Frenchman is under increasing pressure following a difficult start to the campaign, but remains convinced that his team’s performances have been encouraging despite their struggles to turn opportunities into victories.

With the Carling Knockout first-round encounter offering Chiefs a chance to regain momentum, Da Cruz believes a quick return to action will help his players put recent disappointments behind them and focus on securing progress in the competition.

“It’s very good to play the next game quickly [after losing] because we can switch our focus to the next game immediately. We must make sure that we qualify for the next round of the Carling Cup,” Da Cruz told Sowetan.

Da Cruz urges patience as pressure mounts

The Chiefs coach has defended his approach, arguing that the season remains at an early stage and that his players should not be overwhelmed by expectations.

With October still underway, Da Cruz believes there is sufficient time for the team to improve its results and compete for honours. He has called for continued hard work rather than knee-jerk reactions to their recent struggles.

“The most important thing is not to put pressure on these players,” the Chiefs coach said.

“We are only in October… it’s the beginning of the season and there’s still a lot of games to be played. We must just continue to work,” he added.

Da Cruz’s comments reflect his determination to maintain confidence within the squad despite the criticism surrounding the club’s performances.

The Frenchman believes excessive pressure could undermine his players’ progress and has instead called for a supportive environment as they work towards finding greater consistency.

‘We will win more and more games’

Despite the disappointing results, Da Cruz remains confident that Chiefs can turn their campaign around if they maintain their current approach and show greater determination on the pitch.

The coach has challenged his players to combine their technical ability with the character and intensity required to win difficult matches, insisting that their performances provide reasons for optimism.

“The team plays very well but it’s only the results that are not favouring us. We must continue this way, with character, with intensity we will win more and more games,” Da Cruz said.

His assessment places the emphasis on improving their effectiveness in front of goal while preserving the qualities he believes are already evident in their performances.

However, the upcoming encounter with TS Galaxy presents an immediate test of that confidence, with Chiefs needing a positive result to advance in the domestic cup competition.

Soweto Derby adds to Chiefs’ urgency

The Carling Knockout clash also comes at an important point in Chiefs’ schedule, with a meeting against fierce rivals Orlando Pirates looming.

The Soweto Derby presents another significant challenge for Da Cruz and his players, making the cup encounter an opportunity to rebuild confidence before facing their city rivals.

A victory against TS Galaxy would give Chiefs a timely boost and provide the coach with an opportunity to ease some of the pressure surrounding his early tenure.

For a club whose supporters expect consistent performances and silverware, the coming fixtures could prove important in shaping the narrative around Da Cruz’s first campaign.

The coach, however, remains focused on the immediate task, believing that sustained work, greater intensity and improved results will eventually reward the team.

Chiefs must now translate that confidence into performances capable of delivering the victories their supporters have been waiting for.