Da Cruz backs Kaizer Chiefs to overturn Red Arrows deficit

Kaizer Chiefs coach Fernando da Cruz believes his side can overturn a 1-0 deficit against Red Arrows in the second leg of their Caf Confederation Cup second preliminary-round tie at Moses Mabhida Stadium on Friday (18:00).

The defeat by the Zambian club at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola on Saturday extended Chiefs’ winless run to four matches in all competitions and increased the pressure on Da Cruz.

Red Arrows scored from a corner to secure victory, leaving Kaizer Chiefs needing to win at home to reach the group stages.

“We played the first half with no aggression; we also struggled in duels, but it was better in the second half. We didn’t create a lot of chances, but the second half was better,” Da Cruz said.

“We congratulate Red Stars. We conceded a goal from a set piece, a corner kick. Now our focus has shifted to the second leg at home because we know we are able to win that second leg.”

Da Cruz was also critical of the playing surface in Ndola, saying it prevented his team from producing its usual style. However, he accepted that Kaizer Chiefs must be able to adjust to different conditions.

“It wasn’t a field for our advantage. It wasn’t a very good field for us to develop our model game, but we must adapt; we must play in every condition,” he said.

The result came during a difficult spell for the club. Kaizer Chiefs have also struggled to turn performances into victories in the PSL, but Da Cruz insisted that pressure was a constant part of the job rather than a new concern.

“We are under pressure every day, and we put pressure on ourselves every day, so it’s not a problem. We just lack efficiency; we must put in more work when we attack, and we will work on that, and it will turn on our side,” he said.

Da Cruz acknowledged that supporters would be disappointed after the latest defeat, but called on them to support the team in the decisive second leg.

“I know that they [Chiefs fans] are not happy because in the PSL we don’t lose, but we don’t win as well, and today [Saturday] we lost, but there’s still a second leg. We need them at home to be behind us because we know that our team is able to win this game and qualify for the group stages.”

He said unity across the club would be essential as Kaizer Chiefs look to recover from the setback.

“The most important thing in this type of moment is that we must be together as staff, players, management, fans and everyone to go through this period.”