Kaizer Chiefs and Da Cruz face defining week with Soweto derby ahead

Kaizer Chiefs face a potentially decisive week as Fernando Da Cruz’s side attempt to halt a damaging run that has clouded the optimism surrounding the start of the season.

Amakhosi have won only once in their past eight matches in all competitions and are now preparing for two important fixtures at FNB Stadium. They host TS Galaxy in the last 16 of the Carling Knockout Cup on Tuesday at 7.30pm before meeting Orlando Pirates in the “away” Soweto derby on Saturday at 3.30pm.

Chiefs were knocked out of the MTN8 in the early stages and suffered another cup exit on Friday, losing 3-2 on penalties to Zambia’s Red Arrows in the Caf Confederation Cup second preliminary round.

Their 1-0 victory in the second leg at Peter Mokaba Stadium levelled the tie at 1-1 on aggregate, but Red Arrows prevailed in the shootout. The result ended Chiefs’ continental campaign before the group stage.

The pressure on Da Cruz and his players has increased despite sporting director Kaizer Motaung Jnr publicly backing the technical staff. Chiefs have gone five matches without a win, drawing against Polokwane City, Golden Arrows and Stellenbosch in the league, as well as in both legs of their Confederation Cup tie against Red Arrows.

Their immediate opponents, TS Galaxy, have also endured a difficult spell. Bernard Parker’s team have lost their past three league matches against Orlando Pirates, Chippa United and newcomers Kruger United. Those defeats have left the Rockets 13th in the table and facing a difficult task to revive their campaign.

A defeat by Galaxy would leave Chiefs out of two domestic cup competitions, while dropped points against Pirates would cost them ground on third-placed AmaZulu in the league.

Pirates will also be in Carling Knockout action on Tuesday, meeting Milford FC at Orlando Stadium. The Buccaneers are seeking to extend a recent sequence of one defeat in eight matches in all competitions.

They will take confidence from qualifying for the Champions League group stage after a 5-0 aggregate victory over Namibia’s African Stars. Pirates are now South Africa’s only representatives in the competition.

Mamelodi Sundowns will host Marumo Gallants at Loftus in another last-16 tie at 7.30pm, with coach Miguel Cardoso demanding a response from his players.

Sundowns were eliminated by Angola’s Wiliete in the preliminary round of the Champions League despite entering the competition as defending champions. Cardoso said the Carling Knockout was an opportunity to respond quickly and reduce the impact of that disappointment.

“After the game against Wiliete SC, we had to reflect but it is important to take a step forward and continue. It is difficult to get over what happened but at the end of the day you have to take the step forward,” he said.

“Caf is a big trophy but we still have a lot to play for and we have to look forward to our match against Marumo Gallants.

“We have to overcome it and get back to winning ways and continue from there. It will make things easier than what they are now.”