Kaizer Chiefs coach Fernando Da Cruz labelled ‘coward’ by Steve Sekano

Kaizer Chiefs coach Fernando Da Cruz has been criticised for a defensive approach in the 1-1 draw with Stellenbosch FC, with former South Africa international Steve Sekano calling him a “coward” who “gets scared easily”.

Chiefs started the Betway Premiership match at FNB Stadium with seven defensively minded players, despite playing at home and having had almost a month to prepare since their previous game before the FIFA international break began on September 21.

Da Cruz selected Reeve Frosler, Inacio Miguel, Thabo Moloisane, Bradley Cross, Thabiso Monyane, Sibongiseni Mthethwa and Paseka Mako in his starting line-up.

The decision drew a strong response from Sekano, who played for Moroka Swallows and Orlando Pirates. He said the team’s lack of goals appeared to have influenced the tactical plan.

“Nothing seems to work at Chiefs, and goals are scarce,” Sekano told KickOff.

“With the seven defensive players, they were trying to play counter-attacking football since they’ve realised they are not scoring goals this season. If you are not scoring goals, you will always opt to defend rather than to attack.”

Sekano argued that Chiefs should be taking the initiative, insisting the club’s status demands a more aggressive style from the opening whistle.

“If you go to a game with a defensive-minded approach, then it’s a problem. Kaizer Chiefs is a big team; from the first whistle, they must attack. That’s how we know them over the years.”

He added: “Chiefs are not a defensive team,” saying opponents should be concerned about facing the Soweto club rather than Chiefs approaching matches primarily with the aim of avoiding defeat.

Sekano also questioned whether Da Cruz’s influence was visible in the team and accused the coach of being overly cautious because of the expectations surrounding Kaizer Chiefs.

“At the moment, it is not showing there’s a new coach at Chiefs. I think the Chiefs coach [Fernando da Cruz] is a coward because he looks at Kaizer Chiefs as a big team that should avoid defeat at all costs,” he said.

“He gets scared easily.”

The draw meant Chiefs dropped two points at home after a match in which their cautious selection contrasted with the amount of time available to prepare.

Their attention now turns to the CAF Confederation Cup. Kaizer Chiefs travel to Zambia to play Red Arrows in the first leg of their second preliminary round tie on Saturday, with kick-off scheduled for 15:00.