Kaizer Chiefs boss Fernando da Cruz demands defensive improvement after unbeaten start

Kaizer Chiefs coach Fernando da Cruz has warned that his side must address a lack of leadership and defensive character despite extending their unbeaten start to the Betway Premiership season with a 3-2 win over Siwelele FC.

Chiefs have taken three wins and two draws from their opening five league matches, with Sunday’s victory at Dobsonville Stadium keeping them unbeaten. However, they have conceded six goals during that run, a record that has left Da Cruz concerned about the protection in front of their goal.

“We have a lack of leadership, a lack of character and personality in our defensive line and we need to correct that,” he told SuperSport TV.

The comments were a notably frank assessment of a team that has otherwise made an encouraging start to the campaign. Chiefs have scored 11 goals in five matches, demonstrating a potent attack capable of compensating for defensive weaknesses.

Yet Da Cruz believes the chances being allowed to opponents represent a problem that must be solved quickly. He was especially critical of the way Siwelele FC converted the opportunities they created after the interval.

“In the first half we created chances but we couldn’t score enough and in the second half, they got two chances and they scored both chances so we have an issue about that, we have to stop giving away chances to the opponents,” he said.

Chiefs’ attacking strength has helped them collect points while remaining unbeaten, but their coach’s assessment suggests he does not believe that approach will be sustainable over the course of the season. Giving opponents repeated openings could eventually lead to dropped points, particularly when the team faces stronger opposition.

Sunday’s match highlighted the contrast in Chiefs’ performances. Their ability to score three times secured another important result, but conceding twice meant they were unable to control the game as comfortably as their attacking output might have suggested.

The defensive unit also remains under scrutiny because of the questions surrounding experience, organisation and leadership. Ignacio Miguel and Zitha Kwanika were among the Kaizer Chiefs defenders involved as Shadrack Kobedi of Siwelele FC attempted a shot during the match.

For the moment, the results remain positive. Chiefs have avoided defeat in all five of their Betway Premiership fixtures and have shown enough quality in attack to overcome defensive shortcomings.

However, Da Cruz has made clear that maintaining momentum will require more than continued goals from his forwards. If Kaizer Chiefs are to remain competitive near the top of the table, they will need to combine their attacking threat with greater authority and discipline at the back.