Chiefs boss Da Cruz says squad not ready for title push without new forwards

New Kaizer Chiefs head coach Fernando Da Cruz says his side cannot yet be considered Premier Soccer League title contenders, warning that their prospects will only become clear once attacking reinforcements are secured.

Speaking after a 1-0 win over Zimbabwean champions Scottland FC in the Toyota Cup at Royal Bafokeng Stadium in Rustenburg on Sunday, Da Cruz was blunt when asked whether Amakhosi, as things stand, can challenge for the league.

“For the moment, no [they can’t challenge],” he said, following a match settled by a first-half strike from Mfundo Vilakazi.

Da Cruz confirmed that the club are actively looking to strengthen their forward line and suggested that only when those deals are completed will he be able to properly judge Chiefs’ ability to compete both domestically and in Africa.

“You know that we are searching for offensive options and that’s where we will have our entire squad; then we can assess if we are able to challenge or to see if the team can win the league and have a good run in the CAF Confederation Cup.”

Search for attacking signings

Chiefs have so far found it difficult to land their main targets in the current transfer window, with negotiations proving more challenging than anticipated.

Their priority signing is Stellenbosch winger Langelihle Phili, but there has been little tangible progress towards an agreement, leaving the club short of the attacking depth Da Cruz is seeking.

The situation has been complicated further by issues within the current squad. Influential winger Glody Lilepo is expected to leave the club as he looks to “explore new opportunities elsewhere”, weakening Chiefs’ options in wide areas.

In addition, injuries to key attackers Khanyisa Mayo and Mduduzi Shabalala have reduced the coach’s choices in the final third, underlining his insistence that more firepower is needed before Chiefs can realistically talk about a title challenge.

Toyota Cup win offers limited clues

Sunday’s narrow victory over Scottland FC, secured by Vilakazi’s goal before half-time, provided Da Cruz with another opportunity to assess his players ahead of the new campaign, but he made clear that pre-season results would not alter his overall assessment of the squad’s limitations in attack.

The coach indicated that once the club complete their offensive signings, he will have a clearer picture of whether Chiefs can sustain a league challenge and make meaningful progress in the CAF Confederation Cup.

Season opener against newcomers

Kaizer Chiefs will begin their 2026/27 league campaign on Saturday night when they travel to Mbombela Stadium to face newly promoted Kruger United, one of the top flight’s debutants this season. Kick-off is at 20:15.

The match will offer an early indication of how Da Cruz’s side cope with their attacking shortages in competitive action, with the club still working behind the scenes to reinforce the squad.

Weekend PSL fixtures

The opening round of league fixtures is spread across Saturday and Sunday.

On Saturday, Orlando Pirates host Milford at Orlando Stadium (15:30), Stellenbosch take on AmaZulu at Danie Craven Stadium (15:30), Golden Arrows face Chippa United at King Zwelithini Stadium (15:30), Mamelodi Sundowns meet Gallants at Loftus Versfeld (18:00), and Sekhukhune United play Durban at Peter Mokaba Stadium (18:00), before Kruger United’s home clash with Kaizer Chiefs at Mbombela (20:15).

On Sunday, Richards Bay are at home to Polokwane City at Richards Bay Stadium (15:30), while Siwelele face Galaxy at Dr Molemela Stadium (18:00).