Kaizer Chiefs coach Fernando Da Cruz has admitted his side lacks attacking efficiency after a 1-0 defeat to Red Arrows extended their winless run to four matches across all competitions. The Frenchman was addressing mounting pressure at the club after the Glamour Boys’ setback in Zambia in the CAF Confederation Cup.
Amakhosi visited the Zambian side at the Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in the first leg of the Confederation Cup second preliminary round clash. Chiefs conceded a second-half set-piece goal in Ndola, adding to an inconsistent run of form in the Betway Premiership.
Before the trip to Zambia, Chiefs had recorded three successive league draws against Polokwane City, Golden Arrows and Stellenbosch FC, most recently drawing 1-1 with Stellies at FNB Stadium in midweek.
In recent matches, Da Cruz has faced heavy criticism for deploying a defence-heavy line-up. With Chiefs often taking a cautious approach and relying on limited creative players, pressure has mounted on the former AS FAR Rabat coach, and several supporters have already called for his dismissal.
WHAT FERNANDO DA CRUZ SAID ABOUT MOUNTING PRESSURE AT CHIEFS
The 53-year-old mentor has opened up about his situation, stating that when you work for a big club like Chiefs, pressure is a daily reality.
“The pressure was from the first day, there’s pressure every day, and we put ourselves under pressure,” Da Cruz said. “But we just lack efficiency, and we must put more weight when we attack, but we just need to work on that, and it will turn in our favour.”
Da Cruz took over the coaching reins at Chiefs in the off-season, replacing the outgoing technical team at the end of the previous campaign.
So far during his tenure, Da Cruz has guided his side to three wins and five draws in the league. Their two defeats have come in cup competitions, following losses to Golden Arrows in the MTN8 quarter-finals and Red Arrows in the CAF Confederation Cup.
The Phefeni outfit will be looking to overturn the deficit against Red Arrows in the home leg next week to advance to the group stage of the CAF competition.
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