Fernando da Cruz Explains Kaizer Chiefs’ New Signing’s Absence Despite Not Being Injured
- Kaizer Chiefs coach Fernando da Cruz addressed Adolf Mtasingwa Bitegeko's slow start at the club after the midfielder made just 3 appearances
- The 27-year-old Tanzanian joined Chiefs from Azam FC in late July, arriving days before the new league campaign kicked off
- The French tactician revealed what the FIFA international break could mean for Bitegeko's role in the squad going forward
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Kaizer Chiefs coach Fernando da Cruz has offered an explanation for the limited involvement of Tanzanian midfielder Adolf Mtasingwa Bitegeko since joining the club, citing the timing of his arrival as the primary factor behind his slow integration.
Bitegeko, 27, signed for the Glamour Boys from Azam FC in late July, touching down at Naturena just days before the new league season got under way. The defensive midfielder has since featured in only three matches across all competitions, a modest return that prompted questions about his standing in Da Cruz's plans.
Da Cruz Backs Bitegeko to Deliver
The French coach was measured in his response, pointing to the structural challenges of a late pre-season arrival rather than any concerns about Bitegeko's quality.
"It is related to his adaptation in South Africa because he arrived a little bit late during our pre-season, so he needed time to adapt in our model game," Da Cruz told the media.
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He was equally firm in expressing confidence that the Tanzanian would contribute more significantly once the fixture list intensifies.
"But I trust him a lot. After the FIFA break, we will play a lot of games, so we will need everyone and Adolf will get minutes in this period," Da Cruz added.
International Break Offers Window to Prepare
Before then, Chiefs are scheduled to host Golden Arrows next Sunday in their final fixture ahead of the first FIFA international break of the season. That window is expected to give Bitegeko additional time to deepen his understanding of Da Cruz's tactical system.
At Azam, Bitegeko had established himself as a key figure in central midfield, a role that also earned him international recognition with the Tanzania national team. His move to South Africa represented a significant step up, but adjusting to a new environment, a new coach's methods, and competition for midfield places has slowed his progress at Chiefs.
With Da Cruz forecasting a congested run of matches following the international window, Bitegeko appears set for a more prominent role in the weeks ahead.
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Source: Briefly News
