Kaizer Chiefs Legend Blasts Fernando da Cruz Over His Tactics After Just 7 Games in Charge
- Kaizer Chiefs legend Brian Baloyi publicly criticised coach Fernando da Cruz's tactical approach following the club's mixed start to the season
- Da Cruz has been fielding as many as three defensive midfielders, a setup Baloyi believes is limiting the team's attacking potential
- Baloyi raised concerns that the French coach's cautious selections signal a lack of belief in the squad's ability to compete for the title
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Kaizer Chiefs legend Brian Baloyi has launched a sharp critique of head coach Fernando da Cruz, questioning whether the Frenchman's tactical choices reflect genuine confidence in his playing squad.
Baloyi shared his views on SoccerBeat while analysing Chiefs' 1-1 draw against Polokwane City on Saturday, a result that extended a run of inconsistency since Da Cruz took charge.
Chiefs' Mixed Start Under Da Cruz
The Soweto giants have won three and drawn three league matches, while also suffering an early MTN8 Cup exit. Across all seven games, the team has managed only one clean sheet, with Baloyi pointing to a recurring defensive setup as a key concern.
Da Cruz has regularly deployed a three-man backline accompanied by two or three defensive midfielders, a formation Baloyi believes is fundamentally at odds with the club's identity.
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"I think his lineup speaks to what he said about, 'I'm not a magician,'" Baloyi said. "Clearly, he doesn't really believe in his players. He doesn't really believe in the team that they can challenge for the league."
The former Chiefs goalkeeper acknowledged that players had created promising opportunities in the first half against Polokwane, but insisted the approach remained contrary to the club's traditions.
"For me, starting with three defensive midfielders… yes, the lads did very well getting into scoring positions in the first half, but that's not the Chiefs way," he said.
Baloyi Questions Da Cruz's Belief in the Squad
Beyond the specific tactical shape, Baloyi questioned whether Da Cruz's selections were sending a damaging message to the dressing room. He expressed doubt that even a two-midfielder defensive block would be acceptable for a club of Chiefs' stature, let alone three.
"Even when you're playing with two defensive midfielders, it's still not good for a Chiefs team," Baloyi said. "But to go out with three, and even in the second half you're still bringing in another defensive midfielder. These things say something to the players silently, indirectly; it looks like we are playing not to lose. We're not playing to win."
Baloyi's remarks reflect broader scepticism about whether Da Cruz's cautious model can mount a credible challenge against title rivals Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates as the season progresses.
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Source: Briefly News
