Kaizer Chiefs coach Fernando da Cruz has identified increasing the team's attacking productivity as one of the main priorities. He admitted that last season the gap between Amakhosi and the top teams in the Betway Premier League was too large.
Analysis of Last Season
In the previous season, Chiefs demonstrated some of the best defensive records in the league, only trailing Orlando Pirates, who became champions. However, problems in the final third of the field prevented them from seriously challenging for the title, as their attacking performance significantly lagged behind the two teams that finished higher.
Amakhosi finished fourth in the Betway Premiership in terms of goals scored, behind Pirates, Mamelodi Sundowns, and Lamontville Golden Arrows. The difference was particularly noticeable when compared to the leaders: Sundowns scored 24 more goals than Chiefs, and Pirates led them by 25 goals.
Strategy for Improvement
Speaking at the Betway Premiership presentation in Johannesburg, da Cruz stated that improving offensive power would be one of the key tasks for Chiefs in striving to compete for trophies this season. He noted that the team always strives to improve its level and defended well in past years.
Nevertheless, he emphasized that the gap between Chiefs and the two higher-ranked teams was quite significant, making it an area that needs improvement. According to the Portuguese coach, however, the focus should not be on individual players but on developing and improving the entire attacking dynamic.
Focus on Team Play
Da Cruz believes that solving the problems lies not in depending on one or two players, but in forming a stronger attacking identity across the entire squad. Although Chiefs' defensive structure provided a solid foundation last season, the lack of attacking consistency meant they could not keep pace with Pirates and Sundowns.
The coach emphasizes perfecting the collective approach to attack, expecting that improved movement, combination play, and decision-making will help Chiefs become more effective in finishing moves. The club has also strengthened its squad in the transfer window to create a team capable of competing on various fronts.
To close the gap on the league's dominant forces, da Cruz understands that defensive solidity must be balanced by greater attacking efficiency. The Soweto giants will start their campaign with an away match at Mbombela stadium against newly promoted Kruger United on Saturday. Amakhosi's ability to convert more chances and score more goals may determine whether they can narrow the distance to Pirates and Sundowns amid the fierce battle for the Betway Premiership title.
