Fernando da Cruz making an early mark as Kaizer Chiefs adapt, develop youth and chase progress

Three matches into the Betway Premiership season, Fernando da Cruz has already offered a clear indication of how he intends to lead Kaizer Chiefs, with the French coach overseeing two wins and a draw while showing tactical flexibility, faith in young players and a willingness to address the squad’s shortcomings.

That unbeaten start has lifted Amakhosi to second in the table, level on points with early leaders Orlando Pirates. However, the results only tell part of the story of Da Cruz’s opening weeks at Naturena.

The clearest feature of his early work has been his refusal to become committed to one formation.

Chiefs began their league campaign against Kruger United using a 4-3-3 system and kept the same shape for their MTN8 quarter-final against Golden Arrows. Da Cruz then changed to a 4-4-2 for the meeting with Sekhukhune United.

The coach made another major adjustment against Mamelodi Sundowns, setting his side up in a 5-3-2 formation. Da Cruz later explained that the change was designed to give Chiefs better control of the spaces in front of and behind their defence.

Those decisions point to a coach willing to analyse each opponent and alter his approach accordingly, rather than imposing the same tactical plan regardless of the opposition. That adaptability could prove important as the season develops and Chiefs encounter teams with contrasting styles.

Youth given an opportunity

Da Cruz has also demonstrated that age will not prevent a player from being considered for first-team involvement.

The arrivals of 21-year-olds Langelihle Phili and Faiz Abrahams from Stellenbosch have strengthened an already encouraging group of young players at Naturena. Luke Baartman, Mfundo Vilakazi and Mduduzi Shabalala were already part of the Chiefs set-up, and all three have made contributions during the team’s opening fixtures.

Phili has attracted particular attention. He made his debut against Golden Arrows before scoring Chiefs’ goal in the draw with Sundowns. He then followed that performance with another impressive display.

The early evidence suggests that Da Cruz is prepared to trust players who can make a meaningful contribution, regardless of their age.

No sense of a finished squad

The most positive aspect of Da Cruz’s start may be his recognition that Chiefs still have considerable room for improvement.

Although the team have made a strong beginning to the campaign, the coach has not suggested that the squad is complete. He has spoken openly about the need for different attacking profiles, identifying a striker, wingers and an attacking midfielder as positions that could provide greater variety and make Chiefs less predictable.

His reaction to the draw against Sundowns also revealed how he views the project. Da Cruz noted that Sundowns have been playing together for six or seven years, while his Chiefs team has only recently begun working under his direction.

That comparison was not presented as an excuse, but as a realistic assessment of the stage Chiefs are at.

For supporters, that measured outlook may be as encouraging as the results. Da Cruz is winning matches, giving young players opportunities and adapting his tactics, while also acknowledging the areas in which his squad must continue to develop.