The Kaizer Chiefs campaign appears aimless in another season, raising doubts about the leadership qualities of Fernando da Cruz. Although Da Cruz previously stated the team could match the intensity of African champions Mamelodi Sundowns after a 1-1 draw two months ago, he remained uncertain about maintaining such a pace throughout the season.
These concerns materialized on Tuesday evening when the team lost to Stellenbosch FC at FNB Stadium, recording their third consecutive draw in the league and fifth in eight games since the start of the season. In addition to failing to earn points at home, Chiefs lagged behind league leaders Sundowns, who hold a nine-point lead despite having played one more game.
Sundowns' position further highlighted the gap in level between the two clubs, and their 4-1 victory over Richards Bay after triumphing in the MTN8 showed they were not experiencing a slump following that success. While acknowledging that Chiefs could have performed better, Da Cruz's approach was uninspiring to fans, especially after he selected six defenders, including using Paseka Mako as a winger and Riva Froesler as a midfielder.
Some fans questioned why he left natural options for these positions on the bench, opting instead for a temporary lineup. Critics argued this revealed a lack of faith in players like Ethan Chislett and Asanele Velebayi, who started the match as substitutes.
Injuries are an inherent part of football, and no Chiefs player is immune to them, so it is understandable that the team has to cover gaps. However, if Da Cruz complains about a lack of squad depth, he himself is part of the problem. The author notes that they do not know the details of the winter transfer window work, but reports suggest he was satisfied with the squad, which is why the club did not strengthen the team adequately.
Chiefs fans are likely most disappointed by the fact that Da Cruz came into a familiar environment, joining the club alongside his predecessor Nasreddine Nabi, who won trophies in his first season, while urging everyone to 'trust the process.'
Some experts argue that Chiefs should be capable of competing with Orlando Pirates this season, as the latter is undergoing a renewal process. Nevertheless, even with a young team in a new guise, Pirates remain significantly above Chiefs locally. However, Chiefs cannot afford to focus on their neighbors, Pirates; they need to refine their approach and work on themselves to be better prepared for victories in football matches.
The recent Carling Cup Round of 16 match took place this week, and Chiefs were eliminated by TS Galaxy. This match once again underscored the need to improve attacking play, which is a major concern for the team. Da Cruz will temporarily postpone domestic football to ensure his team's full concentration on the match against Red Arrows in Zambia on Saturday. This match may provide a clearer picture of how close or far Chiefs are from the top level, and whether Da Cruz's bold statements can translate into on-field results.