Kaizer Chiefs’ inexperience argument does not explain Soweto derby defeat

Kaizer Chiefs coach Fernando da Cruz blamed inexperience for his side’s 2-1 Betway Premiership defeat by Orlando Pirates in Saturday’s Soweto derby, but the teams’ starting line-ups suggest otherwise.

Ten of the 11 players selected by Da Cruz had been at Chiefs for more than two seasons. The only exception was Thabo Moloisane, an established international defender who joined from Stellenbosch FC at the start of this season.

Pirates, meanwhile, fielded three midfielders making their derby debuts – Simphiwe Selepe, Thapelo Mokobodi and Simphiwe Masilela. Their left-back Nkosikhona Ndaba was also highly inexperienced, having played only five minutes across the two derbies last season.

That makes it difficult for Da Cruz to rely on inexperience as an explanation. Chiefs have repeatedly failed to make their chances count, including in the first half against Pirates. Wandile Duba’s close-range miss early in the match was the clearest example, and Chiefs were punished for it.

In previous matches, Amakhosi had at least escaped with a point from games in which their performance warranted three. This time, they left SA’s biggest football fixture with nothing but battered pride, suffered their first league defeat of the season and fell 11 points behind Pirates in the title race.

Da Cruz cannot be held responsible for everything. Injuries have deprived him of dependable players including Siphesihle Ndlovu, Thabiso Monyane and Langelihle Phili. However, his decision to leave Rushwin Dortley on the bench also raises questions after the defender or midfielder returned from a lengthy injury lay-off in the previous week’s victory over TS Galaxy.

Dortley’s replacement, Inacio Miguel, was sent off for the second time in Chiefs colours. He has also collected 21 cautions since joining the club in 2024.

Finishing has been another major concern for Amakhosi, yet Da Cruz waited until the final 10 minutes to bring on Flavio da Silva, their leading scorer last season.

By that stage, Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou had already addressed his own tactical mistake. He had initially used Deon Hotto in an unfamiliar right-wing position, before withdrawing Ndaba, moving Hotto to left-back and introducing Ghampani Lungu into the attacking line.

Pirates were also able to bring on Bafana players Oswin Appollis and Evidence Makgopa while they had the momentum.

Da Cruz said he would put things right, arguing: “It takes time.” But Chiefs cannot afford to rely on promise alone. They must turn dominant performances and clear chances into victories rather than allowing matches to end in draws or defeats.

Once Ouaddou corrected his tactical error, Pirates controlled a one-sided second half and could have scored more after Tshepang Moremi’s goal put them 2-1 ahead. Chiefs offered no response.

Da Cruz complained that Pirates’ opening goal may have been offside and accused them of “playing with 12 men”. But he must look beyond injuries, the ages of his players and the club’s resources if he is to properly assess why Chiefs are falling so far behind their rivals.