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 explained the limited involvement of Tanzanian midfielder Adolf Mtasingwa Bitegeko since joining the club, citing the timing of his arrival as the main reason for his slow integration.
Source: Twitter
Bitegeko, 27, signed for the Glamour Boys from Azam FC in late July, arriving at Naturena just days before the new league season got underway. 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 took a measured approach, attributing Adolf Bitegeko’s limited involvement to the challenges of joining the squad late in pre-season rather than questioning his ability.
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Da Cruz explained that Bitegeko arrived in South Africa later than planned and therefore needed additional time to adapt to the team’s playing model and tactical demands.
He also made it clear that he has strong faith in the Tanzanian midfielder and expects him to play a bigger role once the schedule becomes more demanding.
With a busy run of fixtures coming after the FIFA break, Da Cruz expects to rely on the entire squad, meaning Bitegeko should have opportunities to earn significant minutes.
International break offers window to prepare
Before that, Kaizer Chiefs are set to welcome Golden Arrows next Sunday in their final match before the first FIFA international break of the season. The pause in domestic action should provide Bitegeko with valuable time to further familiarise himself with Fernando da Cruz’s tactical approach.
During his time at Azam, Bitegeko became an important presence in the heart of midfield, with his performances also earning him recognition at international level for Tanzania. His switch to South Africa marked a major career move, but adapting to a different league, a new coach’s philosophy and fierce competition for places in midfield has limited his opportunities at Chiefs so far.
With Da Cruz expecting a demanding fixture schedule after the international break, Bitegeko could be given a greater role as the season progresses.
Fernando da Cruz faces trophy pressure at Kaizer Chiefs
Briefly News also reported that Kaizer Chiefs coach Fernando Da Cruz had responded to Bobby Motaung’s demand for the club to compete for major trophies this season.
Motaung said the coach “has to win the league” and “has to win cups”, but Da Cruz declined to make specific predictions about what Chiefs will achieve.
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Source: Briefly News
