Football

‘The Coach Is Not Good Enough’: Kaizer Chiefs’ Unbeaten Start Questioned

Published 18 Sep 2026 at 12:15 PM

by Dzikamai Matara

3 min read

Kaizer Chiefs have made an unbeaten start under Fernando Da Cruz, but questions are now being raised about what the results are hiding
The French coach has brought a different approach to Naturena, yet one ex-Chiefs star believes there is a problem that needs attention
Amakhosi have collected valuable points early in the season, but their latest performances have sparked a wider debate about their ambitions

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Fernando da Cruz — Kaizer Chiefs remain unbeaten under Fernando Da Cruz after six league matches, but an ex-Amakhosi star has questioned the team’s defensive approach. Image: Kaizer Chiefs
Source: Twitter

Kaizer Chiefs’ unbeaten start to the 2026/27 Betway Premiership season has come under scrutiny, with former Amakhosi winger Junior Khanye questioning whether Fernando Da Cruz is the right coach to lead the club to trophies.

Da Cruz was appointed in July 2026 after Chiefs moved on from Khalil Ben Youssef and Cedric Kaze. His first six league matches have produced three victories and three draws.

Despite those results, Khanye believes the performances have raised concerns about the team’s approach, particularly in defence.

“When it comes to Chiefs, I still have question marks about bringing in that coach. To me, he is a coach who is more concerned about not conceding; hence his team is always defending,” Khanye said.

Fernando Da Cruz’s tactics questioned

The former Chiefs winger believes Da Cruz’s tactics show a clear preference for defensive security, even when that means sacrificing attacking intent. He argued that the coach is prepared to use a five-man defence if he feels it gives the team a better chance of getting a result.

Khanye made the assessment after Chiefs were held to a 1-1 draw by Polokwane City. He felt the visitors showed greater attacking ambition and suggested Amakhosi’s cautious approach nearly backfired.

Speaking to Soccer Laduma, Khanye said Polokwane “were the more attacking team” and questioned whether Chiefs could sustain their current approach as the season progresses.

The draw extended Chiefs’ unbeaten league run, but it also highlighted the contrast between collecting points and producing the attacking performances expected from a club competing for major honours. For Khanye, that balance will remain a key issue as Da Cruz’s tenure develops.

Ex-Chiefs star makes trophy prediction

Khanye went further when discussing Da Cruz’s prospects at Naturena.

“For me, the coach is not good enough. I don’t think there is any trophy that he is going to win for Kaizer Chiefs,” he said.

The criticism comes alongside praise from some Chiefs supporters for the defensive structure Da Cruz has introduced. Midfielders including Lebohang Maboe, Sphesihle Ndlovu and Sibongiseni Mthethwa have also been credited with helping the side control matches.

For now, the numbers provide a mixed picture. Chiefs remain unbeaten, but questions about their style and ability to turn a solid start into silverware are likely to continue as the season progresses.

Da Cruz faces pressure to deliver trophies

Briefly News previously reported that Kaizer Chiefs coach Fernando Da Cruz had responded to Bobby Motaung’s demands for the club to challenge for major trophies this season.

Motaung said the French coach knows he “has to win the league” and “has to win cups”, but Da Cruz refused to make any guarantees, saying his focus was on “working and listening” rather than predicting what the team would achieve.