Da Cruz demands more from Kaizer Chiefs after late Siwelele scare

Kaizer Chiefs head coach Fernando Da Cruz has criticised his players for lacking the “killer” instinct required to finish matches, despite the Amakhosi holding on for a 3-2 victory over Siwelele FC at Dobsonville Stadium.

Kaizer Chiefs appeared to be heading for a comfortable win after Mfundo Vilakazi and Wandile Duba found the net, with Siwelele defender Samukelo Xulu also scoring an own goal.

But the Soweto club endured a nervous finish after Siwelele FC mounted a determined comeback. Aphiwe Baliti pulled one goal back before a stoppage-time strike gave the home side hope of claiming an unexpected point.

The result leaves Kaizer Chiefs fourth in the Betway Premiership with eight points from four matches. They trail leaders Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns, who have both collected 13 points.

Da Cruz said his team’s failure to convert more of their chances had allowed Siwelele FC back into a game that should have been settled much earlier.

“In the first half we were very good in possession. We created a lot of chances, but we were not strong enough inside the box, and normally we need to come back to the dressing room with two or three goals more than the opponent,” Da Cruz said.

The French coach was also unhappy with the way his side responded after Siwelele FC scored, arguing that Kaizer Chiefs became anxious and lacked authority in key defensive moments.

“Then we scored our second goal, but directly after Siwelele scored their first goal, we were worried, and on the defensive part it was not good.

“We scored again, but since Siwelele’s first goal of Siwelele we were worried on the field, and we were afraid, and we had a lack of personality on the field.

Da Cruz’s concerns extended beyond finishing. Although Kaizer Chiefs controlled large periods of the match and held a clear structural advantage, they were wasteful in front of goal and failed to put the contest beyond Siwelele FC’s reach.

The defensive display also deteriorated as the match progressed. Kaizer Chiefs gave away avoidable opportunities through poor organisation at the back and uncertain decision-making, leaving them vulnerable during the closing stages.

The coach described the problem as a lack of strength in both penalty areas, while specifically pointing to shortcomings in leadership, character and personality within the defensive line.

Kaizer Chiefs will now look to improve their defensive performance when they return to league action against Polokwane City F.C. on Saturday, 12 September 2026. The fixture is scheduled to be played at Peter Mokaba Stadium.

Da Cruz will expect a more controlled performance from his side in that match, with Kaizer Chiefs aiming to build on their maximum points while addressing the weaknesses exposed by Siwelele FC’s late fightback.