Da Cruz says Kaizer Chiefs not ready for title fight without new attackers

Kaizer Chiefs head coach Fernando Da Cruz says his side cannot be considered Premier Soccer League title contenders until the club secures new attacking signings.

Speaking after Chiefs’ 1-0 win over Zimbabwean champions Scottland FC in the Toyota Cup at Royal Bafokeng Stadium in Rustenburg on Sunday, Da Cruz was clear that the current squad is not yet equipped to challenge for the championship.

“For the moment, no [they can’t challenge],” Da Cruz said, following a match settled by a first-half goal from Mfundo Vilakazi.

The French-born coach, who is preparing for his first league campaign in charge of Amakhosi, stressed that strengthening the forward line is central to any realistic title ambitions.

“You know that we are searching for offensive options and that’s where we will have our entire squad; then we can assess if we are able to challenge or to see if the team can win the league and have a good run in the CAF Confederation Cup,” he added.

Transfer frustrations and attacking concerns

Chiefs have been active in the transfer market but appear to be finding it difficult to conclude deals for their top targets in the current window.

Their primary focus is on signing Stellenbosch winger Langelihle Phili, but negotiations have stalled and there has been little visible progress in bringing him to Naturena.

The situation is further complicated by uncertainty over Glody Lilepo. The influential winger is expected to leave Chiefs as he looks to “explore new opportunities elsewhere”, weakening an already stretched attacking department.

Injuries have compounded Da Cruz’s problems in forward areas. Khanyisa Mayo and Mduduzi Shabalala are both sidelined, limiting the coach’s options in wide and advanced positions as he tries to shape a side capable of competing on multiple fronts.

Da Cruz’s comments underline the scale of the rebuild required if Chiefs are to mount a serious bid for the league title and balance that with a “good run” in the CAF Confederation Cup, where squad depth and firepower in attack are often decisive.

Season opener against newcomers

Kaizer Chiefs begin their 2026/27 league campaign on Saturday night against newly promoted Kruger United at Mbombela Stadium, with kick-off at 20:15.

The fixture will offer an early indication of how Da Cruz’s team is shaping up, and whether the existing squad can carry the attacking burden while the club continues to search for reinforcements.

Weekend league fixtures

The domestic season gets under way with a full round of matches across Saturday and Sunday.

On Saturday, Orlando Pirates host Milford at Orlando Stadium (15:30), Stellenbosch face AmaZulu at Danie Craven Stadium (15:30), Golden Arrows take on Chippa United at King Zwelithini Stadium (15:30), Mamelodi Sundowns meet Gallants at Loftus Versfeld (18:00), and Sekhukhune United are at home to Durban at Peter Mokaba Stadium (18:00), before Kruger United play Chiefs at Mbombela (20:15).

Sunday’s programme sees Bay up against Polokwane City at Richards Bay Stadium (15:30), while Siwelele meet Galaxy at Dr Molemela Stadium in the late kick-off (18:00).

Da Cruz will go into that opening weekend fully aware that, in his own assessment, Chiefs’ prospects of challenging for the league – and of having an impact in continental competition – hinge on how quickly the club can deliver the attacking reinforcements he has called for.