Da Cruz says experience and consistency give Pirates edge over Chiefs

Kaizer Chiefs head coach Fernando da Cruz says Orlando Pirates’ greater experience and consistency remain the key differences between the two Soweto rivals, admitting his side have yet to reach the level of their opponents.

Chiefs lost 2-1 to Pirates in the Soweto Derby this weekend – their first league defeat since Da Cruz took charge. The result leaves them 12 points behind leaders Mamelodi Sundowns and 11 points adrift of second-placed Buccaneers, who have a game in hand.

Da Cruz felt Chiefs showed enough quality during the match to suggest progress is being made, particularly in the first half. However, he said their inability to perform at the necessary level throughout the contest demonstrated how much development is still required.

“The difference between Pirates and us, they have more experienced players and they have more consistency because of that,” he said.

“Our young players need to develop this consistency game by game. It takes time, it’s a process we need to take step by step and for the moment we’re not there. We will work hard to reach this step.”

The Frenchman warned that strong periods of play alone would not be sufficient against the leading teams. Chiefs must now turn those promising spells into a complete performance, he said.

“We must use this type of game to grow up. The players must reach the next steps, but the players must understand we played well, we did good things, but it’s not enough. We must reach the next steps now,” he added.

Da Cruz also urged patience as his young squad continues to gain experience. He said players could not develop the understanding and resilience required at the highest level immediately, with progress dependent on regular training, match experience and exposure to different competitions.

“We must continue to work but it takes time, it takes time – it’s not overnight these things can be fixed. We cannot get experience from one day to the next day. It’s training, many games and we must continue to learn, with competitions of different levels,” he added.

Despite the defeat, Da Cruz said he remained proud of his players and praised the way they controlled possession during the opening half against Pirates.

“I want to say, we have a lack of experience, but I am very proud of my players. When you analyse the first half, it was a masterclass against this team. In this game, I’m proud of my players – against this team we could control the game and the ball.”

Chiefs’ next fixture is against Siwelele on Friday, when they will host them at FNB Stadium in the quarter-finals of the Carling Knockout Cup.