Da Cruz urges Kaizer Chiefs to sharpen attack despite pre-season win

Kaizer Chiefs head coach Fernando Da Cruz says his side must make clear progress in attack before the 2026/27 Betway Premiership season kicks off next week, despite ending pre-season with a narrow victory.

Amakhosi concluded their preparations with a 1-0 win over Zimbabwean club Scottland FC in the Toyota Cup at Royal Bafokeng Stadium on Sunday, but Da Cruz highlighted the final third as the main concern ahead of the new campaign.

The Frenchman was pleased with the team’s defensive shape but underlined that more cutting edge will be required when the league schedule begins.

“We have a good defensive structure, but offensively, for the moment, it’s a part we take most of the time to work and to improve,” said Da Cruz.

“We are working for that, but it’s our process, it’s our way to improve offensively.”

Defence impresses, attack under scrutiny

Da Cruz’s assessment reflects a pre-season in which Chiefs have looked solid without the ball, but are still searching for fluency and ruthlessness going forward.

While the clean sheet against Scottland FC reinforced his belief in the team’s organisation at the back, he made it clear that simply being hard to break down will not be enough once the Betway Premiership action starts.

The focus at training in the coming days is expected to remain on movement, decision-making and execution in attacking areas, with Da Cruz determined that the team arrive at the league opener able to convert pressure into goals.

Physical test welcomed before league start

The match in the Toyota Cup was Chiefs’ final outing before the start of the domestic championship, which begins next Saturday.

Da Cruz welcomed the intensity of the contest and the challenge provided by Scottland FC, arguing it offered an ideal final rehearsal before competitive football returns.

“This game was a very good preparation to start the season, the championship starts next Saturday,” he added.

“We suffered a lot, we ran a lot physically also. I’m very happy from this game because now we need to rest and after we’ll prepare for the next game in a few days.”

The demanding nature of the encounter at Royal Bafokeng Stadium has given the technical team a clearer view of the squad’s physical condition, as well as areas that still need refinement in open play.

Final adjustments before kick-off

With just days remaining before the new Betway Premiership campaign begins, Chiefs will now balance recovery with targeted tactical work.

Da Cruz’s comments suggest that while the team’s defensive base is largely in place, the remaining pre-season sessions will be geared towards improving cohesion and sharpness in attack, as Amakhosi aim to “hit the ground running” when competitive fixtures resume.