Kaizer Chiefs aim to maintain strong start under Fernando Da Cruz

Kaizer Chiefs are targeting another Betway Premiership victory against Richards Bay as head coach Fernando Da Cruz continues to establish his methods while delivering results early in the season.

Chiefs have taken seven points from their opening three league matches, beating Kruger United and Sekhukhune United before drawing 1-1 with Mamelodi Sundowns. They will look to return to winning ways when they face Richards Bay at the Princess Magogo Stadium on Wednesday at 19:30.

The club believe an improved and more organised structure has helped them make such a positive start. That approach is also intended to ensure Chiefs perform consistently against every opponent, including teams regarded as smaller clubs.

Da Cruz has made progress in implementing his philosophy without sacrificing results. The Frenchman’s work has earned growing recognition inside the club and from opponents, even though Chiefs have not always been at their most clinical in front of goal.

Their organisation has provided a platform for players such as Siphesihle Ndlovu to perform with greater freedom. Ndlovu, who has previously been associated with a “bullying approach”, has appeared more focused on his contribution to the team this season. His composure in possession and ability to move beyond markers have brought greater confidence to both the midfielder and his team-mates.

Defender Zitha Kwinika believes the changes introduced by the new coaching team are already visible in the way Chiefs play.

“I think the team is doing well, with the new coaches and new season,” Kwinika said. “I think we have proven in the games that we’ve played that we are a different team. Their structure and style of play are not the same.

“How we’ve done things has shown that there’s improvement. There are tactics that have been played, and we are trying to get to a certain way of playing that we enjoy and understand. That helps us to get better as well.”

Chiefs have also been balancing the integration of new arrivals with opportunities for players who were already at the club. Kwinika said that process had worked well from the perspectives of both the squad and coaching staff.

“The players are doing well. (Langelihle) Phili has come in and already scored,” Kwinika said. “(Luke) Baartman may have been with the team last season, but he’s come in regularly this season.

“That shows that we are headed in the right direction. Most of the players understand what’s required from them. So, it’s for us to find the right balance and to continue working hard.”

The draw with African champions Mamelodi Sundowns was Chiefs’ most recent result and has increased their determination to collect three points in Durban.

“The best way to keep the momentum going is to get results and win games,” Kwinika admitted. “The environment and confidence of winning is important. It creates winners. They get stronger by the day.”

Kwinika expects a demanding contest against Richards Bay, also known as the Natal Rich Boyz, rather than an easy opportunity for Chiefs to add to their points tally.

“Richards Bay are a difficult team to play against, to be honest,” Kwinika said. “Yes, we’ll respect them, but we also have our plans and objectives. So, we know what to expect from them. We have prepared well for them.

“We are on a different mission this season. We have games that we’ve targeted to collect maximum points. And this is one of them. One of the ways to stay on top is that we must win these games, and not only focus on the big games.”