Kaizer Chiefs coach Fernando da Cruz hints on squad augmentation ahead of winter window

Kaizer Chiefs head coach Fernando da Cruz has admitted that his squad lacks experience in certain positions, raising the possibility of squad augmentation in the upcoming January transfer window.

The French tactician believes the Soweto giants need to strengthen specific areas of their squad to improve their competitiveness, particularly by bringing in experienced players who can help the club’s younger talents develop and establish themselves at the highest level.

However, Da Cruz has made it clear that Kaizer Chiefs will not rush into the transfer market or sign players simply to increase their squad numbers, insisting that any potential addition must bring genuine quality and improve the team’s overall strength.

Speaking to reporters through Julien Le Heran, who translated his comments from French into English, the Chiefs coach explained that the club still has sufficient time to assess its requirements before making decisions ahead of the January transfer window.

“We have time; we still have two months of competition before January. We don’t recruit just to recruit players. If we recruit players, it is to add value to the squad. So it’s very important,” Da Cruz stated.

His comments suggest that Kaizer Chiefs are taking a measured approach to their recruitment plans, with the technical team keen to identify players who can make an immediate impact rather than simply adding depth to the squad.

The coach also highlighted the importance of experience within the team, admitting that certain positions require players with greater exposure to competitive football.

According to Da Cruz, the presence of experienced footballers could play a crucial role in improving the development of the club’s younger players, both on and off the pitch.

“We know that in some positions we lack experience, and we need experienced players to help our talented players to grow and develop themselves and to support them everyday in training and during games,” he added.

The French specialist believes that experienced additions would provide valuable guidance to the younger members of the squad, helping them improve their understanding of the game while also raising the overall standards during training sessions and competitive matches.

His assessment points to a recruitment strategy that will focus not only on individual quality but also on the ability of potential signings to bring leadership, maturity and stability to the team.

Kaizer Chiefs were relatively active during the previous transfer window, bringing in several players as part of their efforts to improve the squad and compete more effectively across different competitions.

The Soweto-based club have continued to explore opportunities to strengthen their team, recently completing the signing of South African international winger Elias Mokwana on a free transfer.

Mokwana’s arrival represents another addition to the attacking options available to Da Cruz as the club looks to improve its performances during the ongoing campaign.

However, despite the number of players recruited in the previous window, the coach’s latest comments indicate that the technical team still believes certain areas require additional quality and experience.

Kaizer Chiefs will therefore continue evaluating their squad during the remaining weeks before January, with the possibility of further signings depending on the availability of suitable players and the club’s recruitment priorities.

The club’s transfer plans come at a time when they are seeking to rebuild their competitiveness following a challenging campaign in domestic and continental football.

Chiefs finished third in the South African Betway Premiership last season, demonstrating signs of progress in the league but falling short of their ambitions of challenging for the title.

Their campaign has also suffered setbacks in cup competitions, having already been eliminated from both the MTN 8 Cup and the CAF Confederation Cup this season.

Those early exits have increased the importance of maintaining consistency in the league, while also highlighting the need for a stronger and more balanced squad capable of competing across different fronts.

For Da Cruz, the January transfer window could provide an opportunity to address the weaknesses identified within his team and bring in the necessary experience to support the club’s long-term ambitions.

Nevertheless, the coach remains determined to ensure that any recruitment decision is carefully considered, with quality and the ability to improve the squad taking priority over the number of players signed.

With two months of competition remaining before the transfer window opens, Kaizer Chiefs are expected to continue assessing their options as they prepare for what could be an important period in their rebuilding project.