Kaizer Chiefs head coach Fernando da Cruz has explained why he is not yet ready to back his side as serious Betway Premiership title and CAF Confederation Cup contenders.
After finishing third on the PSL table last season, high expectations will naturally rest on the Soweto giants to deliver even more in the 2026/27 season. It is a season they will be chasing glory on five fronts with the Betway Premiership title, MTN8, Carling Knockout Cup, Nedbank Cup and the Confederation Cup up for grabs.
In refreshing their squad under new coach Da Cruz, who inherited a group left by co-coaches Khalil Ben Youssef and Cedric Kaze, Chiefs have released a number of players. The exits include George Matlou, Gaston Sirino, Tashreeq Matthews, Happy Mashiane, Aden McCarthy and goalkeeper Fiacre Ntwari, who has been loaned out to Kruger United. Thabo Cele and Glody Lilepo are also set to leave Amakhosi.
But Chiefs appear to be in no hurry to complete their signings, having so far welcomed defender Thabo Moloisane, goalkeeper Renaldo Leaner and Tanzanian international midfielder Adolf Mtasingwa Bitegeko.
DA CRUZ HOLDS BACK ON CHIEFS’ PSL TITLE TALK AND CAF CONFEDERATION CUP PROSPECTS
Responding to FARPost about whether he believes he has built a strong team to seriously compete for the Betway Premiership title and also make an impact in the CAF Confederation Cup, Da Cruz responded, “For the moment, no.”
He went on, stating that “We are searching for offensive options. When we have our entire squad, we can assess if we are able to challenge to win the title in the PSL and also have a good run in the CAF Confederation Cup.”
After a pre-season training camp in Spain where they played three friendly matches and won none, Chiefs also played Zimbabwean PSL champions Scottland FC in the Toyota Cup, winning 1-0 at Royal Bafokeng Stadium on Sunday.
It was the first time for Amakhosi to lift the Toyota Cup, having failed in the last two editions against Tanzanian giants Young Africans and Ghanaian heavyweights Asante Kotoko. Da Cruz then became the first coach to help them win this pre-season fixture.
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Meanwhile, the French tactician offered an overview of the team’s pre-season preparations as they gear up for the new campaign. Their league journey kicks off with a road trip to Mbombela Stadium, where they will face Betway Premiership newcomers Kruger United this upcoming weekend.
“We have a good defensive structure, but offensively, for the moment, it’s a part that takes most of the time to work and improve. We are working on that. It’s a process and work to improve offensively,” Da Cruz added.
“This game [against Scottland] was a very good preparation to start the season and the championship on Saturday because we suffered a lot physically, we ran a lot.
“So, I’m happy with this game. Now, we need to rest, and afterwards we will prepare for the next game in a few days’ time.
“The mindset of the team is very good. In our pre-season games in Spain, the mindset for three games in one week was very good. Today [Sunday], we suffered, but I’m positive and happy. I’m also careful because I don’t want to see that in the short term but in the long term as well [the good mindset of the team].”
While Da Cruz says he is yet to see whether his side are genuine challengers for trophies, the Kruger clash is expected to offer an early indication of whether Amakhosi are ready to translate promise into results.
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