Tau questions Chiefs’ defensive choices after Richards Bay draw

Former Kaizer Chiefs captain Jimmy Tau has criticised Fernando da Cruz’s decision to field three central defenders in Wednesday’s 2-2 draw with Richards Bay FC, describing the approach as too negative.

Kaizer Chiefs were forced to come from behind twice at Princess Magogo Stadium, with Nqaba Xulu scoring both of Richards Bay’s goals. In response, Tau questioned whether the defensive structure gave the Soweto club the balance and security required.

The visitors started Inacio Miguel, Zitha Kwinika and Thabo Moloisane together in central defence, with the selection influenced by the team’s difficulties at left-back.

Tau believes the technical team should make a clear decision about which of the three defenders should start, rather than continuing with a combination he feels is not effective.

“I think Chiefs are also playing a bit negatively with those three centre-backs,” said the former fullback, speaking post-match on SuperSport TV.

“They need to make a decision on who they want to bench between the three.

“Because that one of three centre-backs…haai.”

The former captain’s comments came after another match in which Da Cruz’s side struggled to keep opponents out. Kaizer Chiefs have now conceded in three of their opening four league matches of the season, raising further questions about the make-up of their back line.

Although they avoided defeat by recovering for a point, the result leaves Kaizer Chiefs third in the standings with eight points. The four-goal contest provided little evidence that the three-man defensive set-up has solved the team’s problems at the back.

Tau said the defensive arrangement had effectively failed to deliver the protection it was intended to provide. His view places pressure on Da Cruz and his technical staff to settle on a more consistent defensive line before the club’s next league fixture.

The coach will now have to assess whether to retain the three-centre-back system or select one player to move to the bench. The decision will also involve addressing the side’s ongoing issues at left-back, which contributed to the unusual defensive selection against Richards Bay FC.

Kaizer Chiefs’ next opportunity to respond comes on 6 September, when they host Siwelele FC at Dobsonville Stadium. By then, Da Cruz will be expected to have reached a firm conclusion on his preferred defensive combination.