Kaizer Chiefs’ CAF Confederation Cup exit has intensified scrutiny of Fernando Da Cruz, whose options have been disrupted by injuries affecting at least 20 players at different stages of the campaign.
Less than three months into the Frenchman’s first season as head coach, Amakhosi have suffered setbacks across every department. The tally includes players who started the campaign recovering from earlier injuries, with several returning only for others to become unavailable.
The latest casualty was goalkeeper Renaldo Leaner, who injured a finger during the final training session before Friday’s decisive Confederation Cup clash against Red Arrows FC in Durban.
His withdrawal came just as Brandon Petersen returned to the matchday squad following a knee injury sustained in training in September. Petersen had damaged the medial collateral ligament in his left knee, with Chiefs initially estimating a four-to-six-week recovery.
Bruce Bvuma stepped in against Red Arrows as Chiefs won 1-0 through Bradley Cross’s header at Moses Mabhida Stadium. However, a 3-2 penalty shootout defeat after a 1-1 aggregate draw ended their hopes of reaching the group stage.
The continental disappointment followed an early MTN8 elimination, adding to the pressure on Da Cruz. However, despite recent setbacks on the pitch, the club has issued a strong vote of confidence in their technical team.
Reaffirming their full support, the Amakhosi management on Saturday emphasised that their trust in Da Cruz remains firm as they drive a football philosophy aimed at building a sustainable winning culture. While acknowledging the disappointment of recent results and the strain of an ongoing injury crisis, the club praised the squad’s unyielding “warrior spirit” and day-to-day professionalism, insisting that these temporary hurdles will not derail their broader ambitious project both domestically and on the African continent.
DA CRUZ HIGHLIGHTS INJURY TOLL AFTER CAF EXIT
However, speaking after the second leg of the second preliminary round tie against Zambian side Red Arrows, the Frenchman pointed to player absences while defending his team’s performance.
“Today [Friday night] we won the game. However, we lost in the penalty shootout. But on the field, we won the game,” Da Cruz said in his post-match press conference. “When you saw our team today, there were five injured players, and the performance of the team was very positive.”
Earlier in the campaign, Chiefs were without all four left-backs – Paseka Mako, Nkanyiso Shinga, Kabelo Nkgwesa and Cross. Reeve Frosler, who can cover the position, was also sidelined, forcing Da Cruz to improvise.
The disruption has extended to midfield and attack. Wandile Duba was ruled out for approximately two weeks with a hip and groin injury after scoring three goals, while Lebohang Maboe suffered an ankle injury before returning for the Red Arrows’ second leg.
Langelihle Phili remains sidelined, with Khanyisa Mayo and Shinga also yet to feature this season. Flavio Silva and Ethan Chislett have missed matches through training injuries.
Against Stellenbosch FC in a league tie, the absence of Maboe, Siphesihle Ndlovu and Adolf Mtasingwa prompted Da Cruz to deploy Frosler in midfield, another example of how player unavailability has shaped his selections.
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