Kaizer Chiefs boss Da Cruz demands better after two costly draws

Kaizer Chiefs coach Fernando Da Cruz says he has “mixed feelings” about his team’s performances after Amakhosi were held to draws by Mamelodi Sundowns and Richards Bay FC in their last two Betway Premiership matches.

Da Cruz believes Kaizer Chiefs should have taken all three points from their meeting with Mamelodi Sundowns, but costly mistakes prevented them from securing victory. He also felt his side deserved to beat Richards Bay FC, claiming the Natal Rich Boyz posed little attacking threat and only found the net after taking advantage of errors by Chiefs.

The back-to-back draws have left Da Cruz frustrated by the results, although the Frenchman remains encouraged by the quality of his team’s performances. He said his players had shown enough in both matches to win, but mistakes at this level could not continue.

“I have two different feelings,” said Da Cruz after the match against Richards Bay.

“I am very disappointed [about mistakes], but also happy about the performances of the team cause we play well.

“But these types of mistakes, we can’t be making them in this type of level.

“We need to learn about our mistakes and to continue working hard to look forward.”

Against Mamelodi Sundowns, Da Cruz felt the outcome did not reflect what Kaizer Chiefs had produced during the match. The coach believes the errors made by his players were punished and ultimately proved decisive in denying Amakhosi a win.

His assessment was similar after the encounter with Richards Bay FC. Da Cruz argued that the Natal Rich Boyz created little danger, but still managed to score when Chiefs failed to deal with their mistakes. That result extended Kaizer Chiefs’ run without a victory to two matches, following the draw against Mamelodi Sundowns.

The coach’s comments underline the contrast between his view of the team’s football and his disappointment with the final results. While he is pleased with the way his side has performed, he has warned that the same lapses cannot be repeated in the Betway Premiership.

Da Cruz is now looking for a response when Kaizer Chiefs return to action against Siwelele on 5 August. The match will be played at FNB Stadium, where the Phefeni Glamour Boys will attempt to return to winning ways after drawing their previous two fixtures.

For Kaizer Chiefs, the immediate challenge is to turn performances that have pleased their coach into results. Da Cruz has acknowledged the positive aspects of the team’s displays, but insists his players must learn from the mistakes that have cost them points against Mamelodi Sundowns and Richards Bay FC.