Da Cruz calls for patience after Phili makes Chiefs debut

Kaizer Chiefs head coach Fernando da Cruz says new signing Langelihle Phili will need time to adjust after making his debut in the club’s defeat by Golden Arrows in the MTN8.

The Soweto club returned to the competition after a three-year absence but were eliminated at the first hurdle after Khulekani Shezi scored early in the second half for Abafana Besthende.

Golden Arrows held on to reach the last four, while Chiefs were left to reflect on a match in which they created opportunities but failed to convert them.

Da Cruz said his team’s lack of efficiency in front of goal was ultimately decisive.

“The mindset, the comfort of the player, nothing to say because we missed a lot of chances today. The score is unfortunately is the only one goal changes in the half and after that we tried to come back, but we had a lack of efficiency there,” Da Cruz told SuperSport TV.

Phili, who joined Chiefs from Stellenbosch FC earlier this week, was introduced in the second half for his first appearance for the club.

The coach indicated that the 21-year-old must continue to build his fitness and learn the demands of Chiefs’ approach before he can be expected to make a full impact.

“They are coming into the team step-by-step, Phili needs to work physically again a little bit and to understand also our modern game, but they will come step-by-step,” Da Cruz said.

Da Cruz also rejected the idea that goalkeeper and captain Brandon Petersen should carry sole responsibility for the goal that decided the tie.

Petersen was involved in the error that allowed Golden Arrows to punish Chiefs, but Da Cruz said he would review the incident before drawing conclusions. He stressed that mistakes leading to goals are often collective rather than the fault of one individual.

“I will look at the goal because I will watch the game, but I think the player missed his cross and we lose it all the team lose, I don’t want to say we lost because of one player,” he added.

The defeat ended Chiefs’ return to the MTN8 at the opening stage and continued a frustrating night for a side that failed to make its chances count. Golden Arrows, by contrast, secured their place in the semi-finals with the one goal that separated the teams.

Chiefs now have little time to dwell on their cup exit. The Amakhosi return to action on Wednesday, when they face Sekhukhune United in the Betway Premiership.

For Da Cruz, that match will provide another opportunity to assess the squad, including Phili, as the midfielder continues his introduction to the team and adapts to the physical and tactical demands of the club.