Khanye questions Da Cruz’s ability to win trophies at Kaizer Chiefs

Kaizer Chiefs midfielder-turned-pundit Junior Khanye believes Fernando Da Cruz will struggle to deliver silverware at the club, despite Amakhosi remaining unbeaten after six Betway Premiership matches.

Chiefs have made an undefeated start to the league campaign, recording three wins and three draws. They sit fourth in the Betway Premiership standings after being held to a 1-1 draw by Polokwane City at the old Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane.

Brandon Petersen’s unfortunate own goal denied Chiefs victory in their latest fixture, but Khanye believes the result highlighted concerns about Da Cruz’s tactical approach.

The former Amakhosi midfielder said his analysis was based on his own understanding of the game rather than the views of the majority.

“Look, I am a football person. I look at football scenarios with the eye of a football person, and I believe in stating things the way I see them in my analysis, without being influenced by what the majority says. That’s just me, and I can’t change that for anyone,” Khanye said.

“I also don’t analyse with the intention of attacking anyone. I state my opinions based on what I see and what I think is going to happen, and on many occasions, most of the things I said have happened.

“When I speak about football, I speak my mind because, at the end of the day, it’s my opinion. At the same time, I respect the opinions of others when we discuss football, and I believe that’s how it should be for everyone.”

Khanye said he remained unconvinced by Chiefs’ decision to appoint Da Cruz and criticised what he considers an excessive focus on defensive security.

“When it comes to Chiefs, I still have question marks about bringing in that coach. To me, he is a coach who is more concerned about not conceding, hence his team is always defending. Even if it means putting five defenders in his line-up, he will do it as long as he believes it is the right strategy to get him the result he wants,” he continued.

He pointed to the draw with Polokwane City as evidence of the limitations in Chiefs’ current style.

“Just look at the most recent match against Polokwane City. His team was too defensive, and they were almost caught by surprise because, in my opinion, Polokwane were the more attacking team,” he said.

Khanye then delivered his most direct verdict on Da Cruz’s prospects at Chiefs.

“For me, the coach is not good enough. I don’t think there is any trophy that he is going to win for Kaizer Chiefs,” he concluded.

Da Cruz’s side can respond on the pitch when Chiefs play Golden Arrows at Mbombela Stadium in Nelspruit on Sunday.

The Soweto club will aim to preserve its unbeaten league record and climb higher in the Betway Premiership standings.