Da Cruz explains why Ighodaro remains on the fringes at Kaizer Chiefs

Kaizer Chiefs head coach Fernando Da Cruz says Etiosa Ighodaro is struggling to understand the team’s tactical approach, explaining why the striker has remained a peripheral figure despite completing the club’s entire pre-season programme.

Speaking after Kaizer Chiefs’ Soweto Derby defeat by Orlando Pirates, Da Cruz was asked about the readiness of his squad and addressed Ighodaro’s limited involvement at Naturena.

“Ighodaro is 25 years old, so it’s difficult for him to assimilate the way we play,” Da Cruz said through a translator. “At the moment, he has a lack of understanding of the game-model. We work with him, and he could be another solution, but right now he’s not ready.”

Ighodaro has made five appearances in all competitions this season but is yet to score. His limited contribution has come despite being involved throughout pre-season and continuing to train under Da Cruz since the French coach arrived at the club.

Da Cruz’s comments indicate that the forward’s absence from the team is linked to his adaptation to the manager’s tactical demands rather than a lack of opportunity to work with the squad. The coach said Ighodaro could still become an alternative for the team, but does not currently believe he is prepared to fulfil that role.

The manager also used the intensity of the Soweto Derby to underline the physical and tactical standards required of his players. Kaizer Chiefs were eventually beaten by Orlando Pirates after losing physical sharpness late in the match.

“When we play teams like Orlando Pirates, we have to be well physically because it’s a team that has a lot of intensity,” Da Cruz said.

“We saw it at the end of the game where we dropped physically, and they were able to press the accelerator with freshness. So we must be ready.”

Physical demands

The match provided Da Cruz with an example of why players must be fully prepared before being introduced into the side. Orlando Pirates were able to increase the pressure as Kaizer Chiefs faded physically, and the coach stressed that his squad must be capable of maintaining its intensity.

Ighodaro’s age is also significant in the context of Da Cruz’s assessment. At 25, the Nigerian is no longer viewed as a young prospect still developing his tactical understanding, and would ordinarily be expected to be moving into the prime years of his career.

For now, however, he remains outside the regular plans at Amakhosi while he continues working to understand the game-model required by Da Cruz.