Fernando da Cruz remains unsure whether Kaizer Chiefs can challenge for title

Kaizer Chiefs coach Fernando da Cruz says he cannot yet determine whether his side are capable of mounting a serious challenge for the league title this season.

Amakhosi return to action against Stellenbosch at FNB Stadium on Tuesday night (7.30pm), seeking their first league victory since consecutive draws with Polokwane City and Golden Arrows before last month’s Fifa break.

Kaizer Chiefs remain unbeaten in the league, but they are seven points behind leaders Mamelodi Sundowns, who have played one match more.

Da Cruz believes his team have already shown they can compete with Sundowns in an individual match, having held them to a 1-all draw at home. However, he says the greater challenge is maintaining that level throughout the campaign.

“We’ve seen at the beginning of the season that we can compete with Sundowns in one game because we competed well against them [by holding them to a 1-all draw at home], but our objective is to be able to compete for the entire season… to repeat that type of performance all season long,” Da Cruz said on Monday.

“For the moment, I don’t have the answer if we are able or not [to go for the title].”

The coach will also have to manage a depleted midfield against Stellenbosch, with Lebohang Maboe, Siphesihle Ndlovu and Adolf Mtasingwa all ruled out through injury.

That leaves Sibongiseni Mthethwa as the only available defensive midfielder. Thulani Mabaso and Nkosingiphile Ngcobo are also options, although both are more attack-minded.

Da Cruz indicated that he had prepared an alternative approach but declined to reveal his plans before the match.

“We’ve prepared something for tomorrow. You will see tomorrow but the most important thing is to focus on the players that are available,” he said when asked how difficult it would be to cope without three key midfielders.

He expects Stellenbosch to provide a demanding test, while hoping the intensity shown by his players since returning from the international break will carry into the match.

“We know that it’ll be a tough game, but after giving our players a few days off, they have come back with a lot of intensity. We hope that it will be shown in the game,” Da Cruz said.

“We know that after a break it’s not always easy to come back with high intensity, but we’ve prepared well.”