Fernando da Cruz Voices His Concerns Despite Kaizer Chiefs’ Win Over Siwelele
- Kaizer Chiefs coach Fernando da Cruz raised serious concerns about his side's defensive display despite winning 3-2 against Siwelele at Dobsonville Stadium
- Siwelele scored twice in the second half through Aphiwe Baliti and Michael N'Guessan to turn a comfortable lead into a nervy finish for the Glamour Boys
- Da Cruz made a scathing assessment of his defensive line, warning that Chiefs must address a lack of leadership and character at the back
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Kaizer Chiefs head coach Fernando da Cruz praised his side's resilience after a 3-2 win over Siwelele at Dobsonville Stadium on Sunday, but made clear that the performance exposed persistent problems in his defensive unit that he expects his players to correct.
The Glamour Boys built a two-goal advantage through academy products Mfundo Vilakazi and Wandile Duba before the break, having created numerous opportunities throughout the opening half. Faiz Abrahams later forced an own-goal from Samuleke Xulu to extend the lead further. However, Chiefs' failure to be clinical enough allowed Siwelele back into the contest, with Aphiwe Baliti and Michael N'Guessan both converting in the second half to set up a tense finish.
Da Cruz calls out defensive lapses
Speaking to SuperSport TV after the final whistle, Da Cruz pointed to a recurring problem in the way his side managed their lead. He explained that Chiefs had created several chances in the first half but failed to capitalise enough, while Siwelele took advantage of two opportunities after the break and scored from both. The French coach said this highlighted a defensive weakness that needed to be addressed, with his players required to limit the chances they give their opponents.
Da Cruz was equally direct about what he believes is missing from his backline, delivering a stark verdict on the mentality of the players in that unit. He said Chiefs lacked leadership, character and personality in their defensive line and stressed that significant work was needed to correct the problem.
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He also linked Chiefs' defensive vulnerabilities to their wastefulness in front of goal, arguing that the inability to put games beyond doubt creates unnecessary pressure. Da Cruz noted that his team had created numerous opportunities without scoring, leaving them vulnerable to mistakes. He added that Chiefs needed to become more clinical in both the offensive and defensive boxes.
Despite the concerns raised by their coach, the three points strengthened Chiefs' position in the Betway Premiership standings. The result extended their unbeaten run to five matches, with three wins and two draws, placing them third on the log.
Da Cruz will be expected to deliver a sharper, more composed performance at the back as the campaign intensifies in the coming weeks.
Da Cruz right with concerns over Kaizer Chiefs
In an exclusive chat with Briefly News, football analyst Uche Anuma echoed what Da Cruz said about Kaizer Chiefs' defensive issues despite defeating Siwelele FC.
"Kaizer Chiefs need to work on their defensive issues, because it would haunt them in the latter stages of the season, and like the popular saying in football goes ', defence wins you league titles'," he said.
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Source: Briefly News
