Kaizer Chiefs players decide penalty takers, says Fernando Da Cruz

Kaizer Chiefs head coach Fernando Da Cruz says the responsibility for deciding who takes a penalty belongs to the players on the pitch, rather than being determined by a rigid club policy.

The issue came under scrutiny during Chiefs’ Carling Knockout Cup quarter-final against Siwelele. Mduduzi Shabalala missed the first spot-kick before Wandile Duba converted a later penalty as Amakhosi secured a 2-1 victory.

Da Cruz was asked whether Shabalala should have been given the chance to take the second penalty after failing with the first attempt. The Frenchman explained that one miss does not automatically mean a player is removed from penalty-taking duties.

Instead, Chiefs have several players prepared to take penalties, with the decision made during the match according to the players’ confidence and judgement.

“After that, it’s the players’ responsibility. When you’re on the pitch, you designate the shooter. There are several shooters in case there are several penalties. After that, it’s also the feeling they have on the pitch,” Da Cruz explained.

His comments indicate that Chiefs do not depend on one permanent penalty taker for every match. Players are expected to identify who is best placed to take responsibility when a spot-kick is awarded, even if a previous attempt has been missed.

Da Cruz demands confidence

Shabalala’s unsuccessful penalty was followed by Duba’s equaliser, which brought Chiefs level before half-time.

Amakhosi completed the comeback late in the match when Asanele Velebayi scored the decisive goal. The result sent Chiefs through to the Carling Knockout Cup semifinals.

Da Cruz also warned his players not to become reluctant from the penalty spot simply because they have received relatively few opportunities this season.

Chiefs’ limited number of penalties has not changed the coach’s view that the team must remain willing to take them and accept the responsibility that comes with doing so.

“Today, we haven’t had many penalties since the start of the season, but we shouldn’t be afraid to shoot them. We have to take responsibility and then we score. The most important thing is to take responsibility.”