Moloi questions Da Cruz ambition after Kaizer Chiefs readiness warning

Fernando Da Cruz’s claim that Kaizer Chiefs are not yet equipped to fight for major trophies this season has been sharply criticised by former Amakhosi forward Fees Moloi, who says the new head coach is already “making excuses” and compares him to former boss Nasreddine Nabi.

Da Cruz, who was appointed in the close season, spoke after Chiefs’ 1-0 win over Scotland from Zimbabwe in the Toyota Cup on Sunday. Despite the victory, the Frenchman said his side are not currently in a position to challenge for the Betway Premiership title or the CAF Confederation Cup – the two competitions many Kaizer Chiefs supporters expect the club to prioritise this campaign.

According to Da Cruz, the squad lacks both depth and attacking variety in the final third of the pitch. He has told the club’s hierarchy that he needs a new centre-forward, two wingers and an attacking midfielder to make Chiefs competitive on multiple fronts.

Moloi, however, believes those public comments send the wrong message and undermine confidence before a ball has been kicked in the league.

“Da Cruz is already making excuses so that if he fails to improve the team he would be able to say ‘I told you so’,” Moloi told KickOff.

“If Kaizer Chiefs are not ready to compete, then what is he doing here? He was brought in to prepare the team and make it competitive. This coach does not seem confident in himself. The way I see it, he is the one who is not ready to make the team compete.”

Former striker questions coach’s decision to take job

Moloi also challenged Da Cruz’s decision to accept the role if he felt the squad was short of the quality required to mount a serious challenge.

“Why did he accept the job at a team that is not ready? He should have told management from the beginning that ‘For me to be able to make the team compete, you will have to strengthen here and there’,” Moloi said.

“It seems he took the job blindly.”

The ex-forward argued that recruitment needs and squad strengthening discussions should have been fully addressed before Da Cruz committed himself to the post, rather than highlighted publicly on the eve of the new campaign.

Comparison with former coach Nabi

Moloi went further by drawing a parallel between Da Cruz’s remarks and the approach of former Kaizer Chiefs coach Nasreddine Nabi.

“Da Cruz is the same as Nabi. His statement reminds me of the Tunisian coach. It is his job to get the team ready,” Moloi added.

Nabi previously faced scrutiny over his own public assessments of Chiefs’ competitiveness, and Moloi suggested Da Cruz is following a similar path by tempering expectations in advance.

Expectations rising ahead of new season

Da Cruz’s comments arrive as anticipation builds around Chiefs’ opening fixtures, with the club confirming plans for a full house for their first home match of the season. Supporters have made clear they expect a strong push in the Betway Premiership and a genuine tilt at the CAF Confederation Cup, after several years without major silverware.

While Da Cruz has stressed the need for further signings in attacking positions, Moloi insists the head coach must focus on maximising the current squad and taking responsibility for making Chiefs competitive, rather than warning that the club is not yet ready to challenge.