Early exit of Kaizer Chiefs from MTN8 signals need for club restructuring

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.

iol.co.zaAugust 10, 10:25

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

Kaizer Chiefs head coach Fernando Da Cruz acknowledged the disappointing exit of the team from the MTN8 tournament but emphasized that the club has a solid foundation for further development throughout the season.

The 'Amakhosi' team suffered a 1-0 defeat against 'Golden Arrows' at the FNB stadium on Sunday. The goal scored late in the second half by Khulekani Shezi allowed 'Abafana Besentse' to advance to the semi-finals.

This result deprived 'Chiefs' of hopes of winning the MTN8 trophy and extended the wait for the cup by twelve years. Nevertheless, Da Cruz believes that the team needs to quickly shift its focus to the remaining competitions.

Discussion of the Defeat

After the match, Da Cruz noted: 'Today is very disappointing because we really wanted to win and advance to the next round, but there are other competitions, and we need to work hard and address our weaknesses.'

The loss to 'Arrows' gave Da Cruz a clearer picture of the areas where his team needs improvement, especially in the initial phases of the game. The French coach particularly criticized the intensity of 'Chiefs' at the start of Sunday's encounter, admitting they did not meet the standards set in previous matches.

He commented: 'At the beginning of the match, we were behind in everything, including duels, but then we got better.' He added: 'But if you compare this game with others, our start was far from the level we showed in other matches.'

Da Cruz's philosophy is based on aggressive pressing, according to which 'Chiefs' should work intensely without the ball, forcing opponents into mistakes high up the pitch. However, against 'Arrows', this pressing in the beginning of the match lacked its usual aggression, allowing the visitors to stabilize before they could score the decisive goal.

Despite this, the 'Chiefs' coach remains confident in the direction of his team's work and does not believe that the defeat should undermine the progress made in the first weeks of his management. Da Cruz stated: 'We are satisfied with our base or foundation, and we want the fans to be proud of this team in the coming weeks. We are not afraid; we will continue to work and look forward.'

Leaving MTN8 behind, 'Chiefs' will focus its attention on the Betway Premiership championship, where Da Cruz hopes his players will quickly respond to the first major challenge of the campaign.

iol.co.zaAugust 9, 21:18

Kaizer Chiefs eliminated from MTN8 tournament after defeat to Golden Arrows

The Kaizer Chiefs team was eliminated from the MTN8 tournament after suffering a 1-0 defeat to Golden Arrows on Sunday at FNB Stadium. This ended the team's hopes for an early cup victory under Fernando Da Cruz.

As a result of the match, Abafana Besthende advanced to the semi-finals along with Orlando Pirates, Mamelodi Sundowns, and Sekhukhune United, while Chiefs left disappointed after another unsuccessful exit from the competition.

This defeat also extended Amakhosi's wait for an MTN8 title to 12 years, as their last triumph was in 2014.

Match Summary

After cautious first 45 minutes, the Arrows scored a goal shortly after the restart when right-back Khulekani Shezi scored in the 53rd minute, giving the visitors a priceless advantage.

Shezi demonstrated good attacking instinct by noticing the advanced position of Brandon Petersen before striking powerfully towards the near post. Petersen was unable to react, and the ball went past him, securing the decisive advantage for the guests.

Despite Amakhosi creating enough chances to control the game, they failed to convert their dominance into goals in the final third. Nkosinhifile Ngcobo was cited as one of the main culprits for failing to capitalize on promising opportunities created by Chiefs' pressure.

Instead, Arrows maintained discipline and ultimately found the necessary moment of quality to win the playoff.

Implications for the Teams

The result will be a major disappointment for Da Cruz, who had observed a promising start to his tenure at Chiefs before this Sunday's setback. Earlier, Amakhosi won the Toyota Cup before the start of the Betway Premiership campaign, defeating newcomers Kruger United 3-1.

However, the MTN8 defeat became the first major hurdle for him under the Frenchman, highlighting how much work is still needed to build a team capable of competing for trophies on multiple fronts.

For Arrows and coach Pitso Dladla, this victory marks an important early statement in their new era. They now advance to the final four, while Chiefs must shift focus to the league championship and begin the process of recovery after another early cup disappointment.

iol.co.zaAugust 7, 16:23

Brandon Petersen believes victory in MTN8 will set the tone for Kaizer Chiefs' season

Kaizer Chiefs captain Brandon Petersen expresses hope that a victory in the MTN8 tournament will help set a positive tone for the team's upcoming season.

Petersen believes that winning the MTN8 trophy will serve as an ideal start to the 'Amakhosi' season, as they prepare to face Golden Arrows in the quarter-finals on Sunday. The Chiefs return to South Africa's main knockout tournament after missing the previous two editions and aim to make a strong impression at the FNB stadium.

The Glamour Boys managed to qualify for the MTN8 this season due to their improved league standing last season, giving them a chance to compete for the first trophy of the new cycle.

MTN8 Tournament Discussion

Speaking after the MTN8 presentation in Randburg this week, Petersen admitted that the return to the competition itself has given extra motivation to the Chiefs players. He stated: 'Returning to MTN8 is motivation in itself because we know what it's like not to be part of it, and I think that alone is enough to set the tone for us.'

Furthermore, Kaizer Chiefs have strengthened their squad by signing Faiz Abrahams. He joins Naturena on a one-year loan from Stellenbosch FC with an option to buy at the end of the campaign. This transfer showed the team that success is achievable. Petersen noted that in just four matches, and especially in the upcoming weekend against Golden Arrows, the team can take the first step towards success.

The team knows that the shortest path to the trophy begins this weekend, as they are only three wins away from ending their trophy drought in this tournament. Nevertheless, Petersen emphasizes that the significance of the tournament goes beyond simply lifting a cup, insisting that early success can shape the entire remaining season.

He added: 'I believe it is important for us to start with a strong launch, to ensure we set the tone for the season. That is, if you win this trophy, it sets the tone for the season. So I think this is our goal—to try to go through the tournament and provide a good foundation for the rest of the season.'

Chiefs face Golden Arrows, who are starting a new era under head coach Pitso Dladla. He came after managing Durban City, leading them to the top eight and success in the Nedbank Cup last season. This match promises to give an early indication of Chiefs' progress under Da Cruz following a promising pre-season and active transfer window.

For Amakhosi, the goal is clear: a positive start against Arrows will allow them to get closer to MTN8 glory in just two victories, and also provide the confidence that they hope will fuel a stronger fight in the Betway Premiership and CAF Confederation Cup throughout the season.