Da Cruz says Kaizer Chiefs still ‘under construction’ despite Toyota Cup win

Fernando Da Cruz insists Kaizer Chiefs are not yet ready to declare themselves title contenders, despite beginning his reign with silverware in the Toyota Cup.

The new Amakhosi head coach, who replaced last season’s co-coaches Khalil Ben Youssef and Cedric Kaze during the off-season, has been tasked with closing the gap on Orlando Pirates and serial champions Mamelodi Sundowns in the coming campaign.

Chiefs edged Scotland FC 1-0 at the Royal Bafokeng Stadium at the weekend to claim the Toyota Cup and round off their pre-season on a winning note, but Da Cruz moved quickly to temper expectations.

The Frenchman stressed that his assessment of Chiefs’ prospects in the Premier Soccer League title race and in continental competition will only be realistic once the squad is complete.

“For the moment, we’re looking for offensive options,” said Da Cruz.

“Then once our entire squad is finished, then you can ask us if we’re able to challenge other teams to win the titles in the PSL and also have an advantage in the CAF Confederation Cup.”

New era taking shape after coaching change

Da Cruz took charge during the winter break following the departure of Ben Youssef and Kaze, who had served as co-coaches in the previous campaign.

Unlike many mid-season appointments, the former France-based coach has benefited from a full pre-season to implement his ideas and get to know his players.

That preparation included a training camp in Spain, where Chiefs played several friendly matches as part of their build-up to the new season. The overseas tour allowed Da Cruz to begin reshaping the side tactically while testing different combinations and systems.

Toyota Cup win highlights progress but coach cautious

The narrow victory over Scotland FC in the Toyota Cup provided a tangible reward for Chiefs’ preparations and gave supporters a first glimpse of Da Cruz’s influence on the team in a competitive setting.

Lifting the trophy at Royal Bafokeng Stadium ensured Amakhosi ended pre-season on a high, but Da Cruz made clear he sees the performance and result as just one step in a longer process.

He described the current squad as “a work in progress” and underlined that the rebuilding job is far from complete, particularly in attack, where he is still seeking reinforcements and greater depth.

Only once those offensive options are secured, he suggested, will he be able to give an honest evaluation of whether Chiefs are ready to sustain a challenge against Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns for major honours.

Continental ambitions also in focus

Da Cruz’s remarks extended beyond the domestic title race, with the coach explicitly referencing the CAF Confederation Cup in his assessment of Chiefs’ readiness.

He indicated that the club’s recruitment and squad-building strategy is being shaped with both the PSL campaign and continental demands in mind, emphasising the need for a group capable of competing “at the highest level”.

For now, though, he is refusing to get drawn into bold predictions, preferring to underline the importance of completing his squad before any talk of trophies becomes realistic.

Until then, Chiefs’ early promise under their new coach – from the Spanish camp to the Toyota Cup success – will be viewed by Da Cruz as encouraging signs rather than definitive proof that Amakhosi are ready to return to the summit of South African football.