Kaizer Chiefs Coach Fernando Da Cruz States Team Is Not Afraid of Setbacks After Exiting MTN8 Tournament

Following their defeat in the MTN8 quarter-finals on Sunday, Kaizer Chiefs coach Fernando Da Cruz came under immediate pressure. It is often said that the beginning determines the end, and Kaizer Chiefs must heed this wisdom to correct their early exit from MTN8 and finish the season on a high note.

The team lost to Golden Arrows 0-1 in the Wafa Wafa Cup quarter-final match on Saturday evening, thus failing to secure the first trophy of the season. This was a difficult moment for Amakhosi fans, who had previously watched their rivals Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns reach the semi-finals.

The club is currently undergoing a phase of reconstruction. A new coach, Fernando Da Cruz, was recently appointed, and he, along with an updated technical team and new players such as Langelihle Phili, Thabo Moloisane, Faiz Abrahams, and Adolf Mtasingwa Bitegeko, signed during the transfer window, is working to improve the situation.

Although Da Cruz returned to the club after a month working as Nasreddin Nabi's assistant, his integration with the team was expected to bear fruit from the start, especially in MTN8. The camp in Marbella, Spain, was supposed not only to integrate Moloisane, the only new player who traveled with the team, but also to establish Da Cruz's philosophy.

The 54-year-old coach emphasized his commitment to attacking football, so his players must focus on playing with ball possession combined with the explosive power needed to reach the final third of the pitch more quickly. However, this is not yet visible in the team's structure. The attacking line is struggling in the final third, as Luke Bartman and Mfundo Vilakazi have yet to capitalize on the opportunities given to them since the start of the season.

The team's slow start and reliance on young players have already increased the pressure on Da Cruz as they try to balance development with results. Nevertheless, the situation is not hopeless. Following complaints about a lack of attacking personnel to execute the required explosive play, the club appears to have reacted. Amakhosi signed Phili and Abraham on permanent and loan deals from Stellenbosch, redirecting transfer funds for Ashley Du Prez and Given Msimango.

Recognizing that the duo will require time to adapt at Amakhosi, it is expected that their joint play at Stellies will help them reach full potential once settled. Perhaps this is what Da Cruz needed: an exit from MTN8 to ensure an impressive campaign that challenges the reigning champions Pirates and multiple-time winners Sundowns for the league title.

While Pirates and Sundowns have momentum, Chiefs have good chances to make adjustments. Their rivals do not expect much from them, and they have a relatively young squad with a strong desire to win trophies. Although winning MTN8 sets the tone for the entire season, the league title remains the main goal in domestic football for any club.

Chiefs have not won the league title since 2015, but the fact that they achieved it under the new coach, Stuart Baxter, proves it is possible. Furthermore, in that season, they also had an early exit from MTN8 after losing to Sundowns. With improved play in the remainder of the campaign, Chiefs can ensure an impressive conclusion in the CAF Confederation Cup, which could bring renewed attention to the club.

Thus, Chiefs must acknowledge that they had a disappointing start to the season. But they must not let this define their destiny; they must take it as a signal to awaken and ensure a strong finish to the season—perhaps surpassing the success of 2015.

The new head coach of Kaizer Chiefs, Fernando da Cruz, aims to make an immediate impact as the team prepares for the 2026/27 Betway Premiership campaign. Chiefs will commence their season against the league newcomers, Kruger United, on Saturday, with Da Cruz striving for a successful start to his time at Naturena.

The Glamour Boys enter the new season with increased hope following a positive pre-season under the French manager. Da Cruz has already signaled his ambitions by stating that Chiefs intends to contend for every available trophy. Furthermore, he has overseen substantial squad restructuring, bringing in several new players to bolster the team while the club refines its offensive unit before the transfer window closes.

However, Chiefs will face a rigorous challenge from Kruger United, a side keen to make their top-flight debut with one of the most significant upsets in recent PSL history. The Village Boys earned promotion from the Motsepe Foundation Championship last season and view the opening match against Chiefs as an ideal chance to challenge the Soweto giants before they fully adapt to the new coaching regime.

Abram Mongoya, the head coach, expressed that he would have preferred Chiefs as his inaugural opponent if the opportunity arose. Speaking at the PSL season launch, Mongoya noted, “A big yes because it has a lot of advantages when we looked at it.” He added that the fixture is exciting for fans who have been anticipating such a match, and it offers a good platform for the players to display their skills, especially since TS Galaxy was the only team from their province featuring in top-flight football.

Mongoya suggested that the timing of the match might favor Kruger United, stating, “Getting a Chiefs side at a time where the coaches have not yet settled is a sort of perfect situation. Hopefully it goes our way.” His technical staff has thoroughly analyzed Chiefs' recent performances during their pre-season tour of Spain. They studied the previous three matches to understand how the team structures and alters its formations, preparing to impose their own style in the major league.

For Chiefs, the Saturday fixture presents a chance to establish an early dominance. Following a promising pre-season and an active transfer period, Da Cruz expects his squad to demonstrate an adoption of his tactical philosophy. Nevertheless, given Kruger United's confidence as a newly promoted side and their motivation to host one of the nation's largest clubs, Chiefs must avoid underestimating their rivals if they wish to secure three points to start the season.

The club has also remained active in the transfer market to enhance the squad for the upcoming season. They have secured the signing of Stellenbosch winger Langelihle Phili, adding another dynamic attacking option after his successful campaign in the Cape Winelands. Phili joins Naturena, having swapped Stellenbosch, as Chiefs targeted him as one of the country's top young talents.

The reshaping of the frontline continues, as Glody Lilepo is reportedly exploring other options, following confirmation from Da Cruz that the DR Congo international is looking elsewhere. Additionally, midfielder Thabo Cele has been informed that he is not included in the coach's plans, while Chiefs continue seeking reinforcements, with Da Cruz publicly mentioning targets for a striker, wingers, and an attacking midfielder. This ongoing transfer activity highlights the club's commitment to equipping the new coach with a roster capable of competing seriously across all competitions this season.