Despite the elimination from the CAF Confederation Cup, Kaizer Chiefs sporting director Kaizer Motaung Jr insists the Soweto giants continue to have trust in head coach Fernando Da Cruz and his technical team.
Amakhosi were dumped out of the Confed Cup in the second preliminary round following a 3-2 penalty shootout defeat to Zambian side Red Arrows FC at Durban’s Moses Mabhida Stadium on Friday night.
A 1-0 second-leg victory on the night saw Chiefs level the tie 1-1 on aggregate to force the match into penalties, where they ultimately fell short.
The heartbreaking exit has raised fresh questions over whether Da Cruz remains the right man to turn the Soweto giants’ fortunes around and deliver silverware to Naturena.
In a statement released by the club on Saturday, Motaung Jr highlighted what he described as ‘significant progress’ made in key areas under the French tactician.
FERNANDO DA CRUZ BACKED TO SUCCEED AT KAIZER CHIEFS
“As a Club, we would like to reaffirm our full support for, and confidence in, the Head Coach [Fernando Da Cruz] and the entire technical team,” said Motaung Jr.
“They continue to have our trust as they lead the implementation of a football philosophy and development pathway that we firmly believe will bring sustainable success. Their professionalism, work ethic, and commitment to improving the team every day remain irreproachable.
“The team is fighting hard every game to uphold a high standard of performance, and yesterday, despite the result and the injuries we carry, that warrior spirit was visible on the field.”
KAIZER MOTAUNG JR CALLS ON KAIZER CHIEFS FANS TO RALLY BEHIND THE CLUB
Motaung Jnr has also called on the club’s faithful to unite and reassured them that the foundation laid will eventually bring the desired results.
“To our supporters, we acknowledge your disappointment and thank you for your steadfast passion and support,” he added.
“The standards at this institution remain as high as ever, and everyone within the football department is fully committed to meeting them.
“Now is the time for unity, not division. We believe in the work being done, we believe in the people leading that work, and we believe the foundations being laid today will deliver the success our supporters deserve.”
Amakhosi are currently in position five on the Betway Premiership log standings. They will take on TS Galaxy in the Carling knockout Cup Last 16 on Tuesday, 27 October.
“We have made significant progress in key areas of our sporting project, and while setbacks are a natural part of any ambitious journey, they do not alter our conviction in the direction we are taking. We remain aligned behind our objectives, our playing identity, and our long-term plan for success both domestically and on the continent,” he concluded.
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