Da Cruz keeps Kaizer Chiefs expectations measured in first season

Kaizer Chiefs coach Fernando da Cruz is refusing to make ambitious promises about what he can deliver during his first season in charge, insisting the club’s immediate priority is to focus on winning their next match.

Da Cruz has been appointed with the task of improving on Kaizer Chiefs’ third-place finish in the previous campaign, when the team was guided by Khalil Ben Youssef and Cedric Kaze.

There is also pressure for the club to challenge for trophies in the Carling Knockout, Nedbank Cup and CAF Confederation Cup. However, the Frenchman, who has Portuguese roots, has adopted a cautious approach when asked to outline his targets for the season.

“I’m not a magician…,” says Da Cruz in response to questions about what he can achieve this term.

“I cannot say what we will achieve, but what is important for us is to keep this mentality of working and listening.

“After that, like I have already said, we will make a conclusion, and if we are in a good position, we will try to achieve the best that we can.

“We are very ambitious, but our first ambition is always to win the next game,” says Da Cruz.

Da Cruz has won two of his first five matches in all competitions since taking charge at Naturena. Kaizer Chiefs currently sit behind both of their biggest rivals, Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns, in the league.

Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns have shown their intention to remain involved in the battle at the top of the table, leaving pressure on the Gold and Black to maintain contact with the leading clubs.

Their next opportunity to do so comes against Siwelele FC at Dobsonville Stadium on Sunday, with kick-off scheduled for 17:30.

Da Cruz believes the response from his squad has been encouraging, particularly in terms of their willingness to embrace his methods and maintain a strong work ethic.

“The players want to work hard and want to listen to me, so it helps.

“We set up things with the players, and they have answered very well about what we asked of them, so that is important.

“The players are working very hard with a positive mindset, so it has helped us a lot,” notes Da Cruz.

The coach’s comments underline his preference for assessing Kaizer Chiefs’ progress over time rather than setting out firm predictions at the start of the campaign. His immediate focus is on building the right mentality within the squad, while the club’s position later in the season will determine whether they can pursue their wider ambitions in domestic and continental competition.