Kaizer Chiefs boss Da Cruz faces crucial test against TS Galaxy

Kaizer Chiefs head coach Fernando Da Cruz has been warned that his position could come under serious pressure if his side fail to beat TS Galaxy in the opening match of the Carling Knockout Cup on Tuesday.

The fixture represents the fourth competition in which Chiefs have competed since Da Cruz took charge, and victory is now being demanded before Saturday’s Soweto derby.

Chiefs have already been eliminated from the MTN8 and the CAF Confederation Cup. They are also nine points behind Betway Premiership leaders Mamelodi Sundowns, increasing the pressure on the club to produce an immediate response.

Luis Goncalves, who worked with Da Cruz at the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) under director of technical development Jamal Fathi, says the Chiefs coach is fully aware of the demands attached to the job.

“Da Cruz is aware of the expectations at the club because this is Kaizer Chiefs and we all know about this club even here in Portugal,” Goncalves told KickOff.com from Portugal, where he has been following developments in the PSL.

He said the CAF Confederation Cup exit had been particularly difficult for the club and acknowledged the frustration among supporters.

“Being knocked out of the CAF Confederation was difficult to swallow for the club,” Goncalves said.

“I obviously understand that the fans are not happy with what is happening, but the club’s administration needs to make decisions.

“They have shown that they remain supportive of the coach, but what is certain is that this will not be the case for long if results are not forthcoming.

“The club’s administration has the right to decide on what they want.”

Goncalves believes Da Cruz has little time to change the situation but should understand why expectations are high at Chiefs.

“Da Cruz doesn’t have time on his side at Chiefs,” he said. “He is at a club with good conditions and so it is normal the expectations are high.”

He added that the match against TS Galaxy provides Da Cruz with an opportunity to demonstrate his authority and maintain unity within the squad.

“This is the moment to turn to his experience in leading the team,” Goncalves said.

“Now is the moment to show the leadership and keep the players focused on the next match and keep the team together and keep believing in the work that they do every day.

“The heart of coaching is to keep all the pieces together.

“Now is the time to respond positively.”

Goncalves said the team selection and any tactical changes made by Da Cruz would be closely watched, but insisted that performance alone would not be enough.

“Chiefs play tonight and this is the time to respond positively, and it will be interesting to see what changes the coach makes in this game against TS Galaxy if he does,” he said.

“But if they lose tonight, it will be a big problem especially with a difficult game coming on Saturday.

“Being a good coach must be accompanied by results so more than playing well against TS Galaxy, they need to win.”