Kaizer Chiefs coach Fernando da Cruz has conceded that their quest to win the Betway Premiership was dented after losing 2-1 to Orlando Pirates in the Soweto Derby on Saturday.
Amakhosi are bidding to lift the league title for the first time since the 2014/15 season, but they suffered their first league defeat of the season after losing to defending champions Pirates at FNB Stadium.
Yanela Mbuthuma opened the scoring for the Buccaneers in the 24th minute before Pule Mmodi restored parity for Chiefs six minutes later. Tshepang Moremi then grabbed Pirates’winner 11 minutes into the second half as Chiefs failed to hit back again.
Saturday’s result left Chiefs in fifth place on the table, and they now have 11 points fewer than the Buccaneers. Log leaders Mamelodi Sundowns have 12 points more than Amakhosi, who are now face the difficult task of catching up with the leading pack.
The Glamour Boys risk being completely counted out of the title race in a season in which they have already lost two opportunities at silverware after failing to win the MTN8 and the CAF Confederation Cup elimination.
DA CRUZ NOTES INJURIES & INEXPERIENCE COSTING CHIEFS IN THE LEAGUE TITLE RACE
Having recorded five Betway Premiership draws and the defeat to Pirates, Chiefs have dropped 13 points in nine games to lose ground in the title race. Da Cruz, under pressure in what is turning into a difficult season for the Soweto giants, has given a worrisome assessment of what the defeat to Pirates means.
“I would say it’s [title chase] more difficult after this game. But the PSL is a long journey. There are 21 fixtures remaining,” Da Cruz addressed journalists in the Soweto Derby post-match press conference.
“But when our injured players recover, we will have more consistency in our performances because we have been unlucky since the beginning of the season this side. We played a lot of draws since the beginning of the season.
“Normally, we deserved to win this game [against Pirates]. Because of our lack of experience, we didn’t win this game, but it will turn on our side when we recover all our squad.
“For sure, one moment we must have some positive dynamics with some victories in a row to continue with this journey. We must continue, and we must keep a positive mindset.”
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