Kaizer Chiefs criticised despite beating Scottland in Toyota Cup
- Kaizer Chiefs beat Zimbabwean champions Scottland FC 1-0 at Royal Bafokeng Stadium in Rustenburg on Sunday, 26 July 2026
- South African youth international Mfundo Vilakazi scored the only goal of the match to hand Amakhosi the 2026 Toyota Cup trophy
- A football analyst in a chat with Briefly News raised serious doubts about Fernando da Cruz's ability to guide Chiefs to glory in the upcoming season
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Kaizer Chiefs claimed the 2026 Toyota Cup on Sunday, 26 July, defeating Zimbabwean champions Scottland FC 1-0 at a packed Royal Bafokeng Stadium. Mfundo Vilakazi scored the only goal of the game in the early stages to secure the silverware for Amakhosi.
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Despite the victory, the result has not silenced all concerns surrounding the Soweto giants' readiness for the season ahead.
Da Cruz's tactics draw criticism
Football analyst Uche Anuma, speaking to Briefly News, questioned whether the win reflected genuine progress under French manager Fernando da Cruz. Anuma noted that Chiefs were not dominant in the contest and failed to control possession throughout the match.
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"Kaizer Chiefs might have won the game, but they didn't win possession and were not dominant enough to stake their claim in the match," Anuma said.
His reservations extended beyond the cup result, with the analyst expressing doubt about Amakhosi's ability to challenge for the Betway Premiership title against the two clubs who have dominated South African football in recent seasons.
"I am not convinced that they are ready for the new season and not sure they can end Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates' reign in the Betway Premiership," he added.
CAF Confederation Cup concerns
Anuma also warned that Da Cruz faces a demanding continental challenge, with Kaizer Chiefs set to compete in the CAF Confederation Cup against top African sides, including Egyptian powerhouse Al Ahly.
"Da Cruz needs to up Amakhosi's game if they are to challenge for the CAF Confederation Cup title, also because they would be facing other top African teams, with Al Ahly also taking part in the competition," Anuma said.
The Toyota Cup win offers Chiefs a morale boost going into the new campaign, but the performance against Scottland FC has given analysts reason to question whether Da Cruz has yet instilled the consistency and authority needed to compete at the highest level domestically and on the continent.
Kaizer Chiefs warned against selling top star
Briefly News also reported that Kaizer Chiefs were warned over the possibility of selling one of their star players during this summer transfer window.
The Soweto giants are reportedly considering the player's sale after dropping him from the squad that travelled to Spain for pre-season.
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Source: Briefly News
