Da Cruz urges Kaizer Chiefs to sharpen attack and avoid predictable play

Kaizer Chiefs coach Fernando da Cruz says he is pushing for new attacking signings to ensure Amakhosi become less predictable and capable of challenging for major honours this season.

Speaking to local media for the first time since taking charge last month, Da Cruz made clear at the club’s Naturena base that, while he is satisfied with the team’s defensive structure, he believes fresh options are needed in forward areas.

The 54-year-old Frenchman, who previously worked at Chiefs as assistant to Nasreddine Nabi two years ago, conducted Friday’s briefing in French, with new fitness coach Julien Le Heran translating. Da Cruz, however, vowed that this would be a one-off.

He said: “If you compare the squad with two years ago, you can see that the team is now more complementary in terms of player profile. The defensive part is better. We have a good defensive structure, but now the next step is to work on the offensive part.

“I am working with the management to maybe add new players in the offensive part of the squad to have a more complementary profile than we already have in the squad.”

Call for variety in attack

Da Cruz outlined a clear vision for Chiefs’ front line, stressing that he wants different types of players in each attacking role so that the team can adapt to varying opponents and game plans.

“There are four positions in the offensive part striker, two wingers and attacking midfielder so we have good profiles on those positions at the moment,” he explained.

“But I’ve asked the management to have different profiles to be able to play different football and also adapt to different game plans of the opposition throughout the season. We must be less predictable.”

Da Cruz believes that, compared with the squad he encountered during his short spell at the club two seasons ago, Chiefs are now far stronger at the back, which is why his transfer priorities are focused almost entirely on the final third.

Following his initial stint at Naturena, Da Cruz left to take up a technical development role with the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF). He has now returned to South Africa tasked with restoring Chiefs to title contention.

Toyota Cup a key preseason marker

Chiefs conclude their preseason schedule on Sunday when they face Scottland of Zimbabwe in the Toyota Cup at Royal Bafokeng Stadium, with kick-off in Rustenburg at 15:00.

Da Cruz described the match as a crucial indicator of where his side stand ahead of the new campaign, and also as an important first public outing for his backroom staff.

“It’s the last game of our preseason, the last step of our preseason, and it will also be the first meeting with our fans [as the new technical team],” he said.

“We need to assess the squad because we will know after this game which player will be ready or not for the start of the season.”

Cele and Lilepo set for exit

Da Cruz also confirmed that midfielder Thabo Cele does not feature in his plans going forward.

In addition, he revealed that the club is prepared to sell Glody Lilepo, with the Congolese winger keen to pursue a “new challenge” away from Naturena.

Both Cele and Lilepo were left out of Chiefs’ recent preseason tour to Spain, underlining their uncertain futures as Da Cruz reshapes his squad, particularly in attacking areas, before the competitive fixtures begin.