Kaizer Chiefs head coach Fernando Da Cruz commented on the decision to change the team's tactical scheme as the club continues to fight for the top spot in the league table. Da Cruz clarified that the recent switch to a 5-2-3 formation is not a permanent tactical change, given that they used the 4-3-3 system again in their victory over Siwelele FC on Sunday.
At the start of the season, Chiefs began matches with a 4-3-3 setup, but in the last three matches, the team employed the 5-2-3 scheme. Da Cruz stated that player injuries played a significant role in this change, although his decisions also depend on the opponents and the profile of available players.
Commenting on the situation, Da Cruz told the media that he is currently satisfied with the ability to use two systems, emphasizing that this is due to injured players, and sometimes it will depend on the opponent and different player profiles. His comments indicate that Chiefs are not abandoning the 4-3-3, but rather using tactical flexibility to adapt to the circumstances of each match.
The use of the 5-2-3 scheme helped Chiefs maintain a winless streak, and the victory over Siwelele on Sunday increased their tally to three wins and two draws in the first five championship matches. Nevertheless, Da Cruz insists that he will not be rigidly tied to one system throughout the season.
He noted that the team strives to be good, but this will depend on circumstances, and they will not play in the same system all season. Since players are returning from injuries, and opponents present different challenges, Chiefs may change formations as the season progresses. For Da Cruz, adaptability proved more important than adherence to one formation. The next match is scheduled to be an away game against Polokwane City next Saturday.