Kaizer Chiefs Told to Part Ways With Fernando da Cruz Amid Disappointing Season So Far
- Former Kaizer Chiefs striker Kenny Niemach publicly demanded the dismissal of head coach Fernando Da Cruz
- Chiefs have drawn five of their eight league matches, allowing Mamelodi Sundowns to open a nine-point lead at the top
- Da Cruz faces mounting pressure with a CAF Confederation Cup defeat and a Soweto derby against Orlando Pirates looming
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Former Kaizer Chiefs striker Kenny Niemach has publicly called for the club to dismiss head coach Fernando Da Cruz, insisting that Amakhosi require a more ambitious figure at the helm if they are to challenge for the Betway Premiership title and end their trophy drought.
Speaking to KickOff, Niemach pointed to Chiefs' five draws in eight league matches as the clearest measure of the team's underwhelming start under Da Cruz. While the Soweto giants remain unbeaten, the failure to convert draws into victories has cost them dearly in the standings, with Mamelodi Sundowns capitalising to build a nine-point lead at the summit.
Da Cruz Under Fire for Tactics and Results
Niemach questioned Da Cruz's tactical decision-making, arguing that his defensive approach has not even succeeded in keeping opposition sides out.
The former striker also raised concerns about whether the coach has a clear understanding of how to deploy the players available to him, suggesting that individual strengths within the squad are being underutilised.
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Da Cruz has alternated between a back three and a back four since taking charge on a two-year contract, and Niemach believes the resulting inconsistency reflects a coach yet to establish a coherent identity at Naturena.
Continental Setback Compounds Domestic Woes
Chiefs' difficulties have not been confined to the league. A 1-0 defeat to Zambia's Red Arrows FC in the first leg of their CAF Confederation Cup tie has increased scrutiny on the technical team.
A defensive error from a corner in the closing stages proved decisive, exposing vulnerabilities at set pieces that will need to be addressed ahead of the return leg at Moses Mabhida Stadium on Friday.
A challenging run of domestic fixtures lies ahead, including a Carling Knockout encounter with TS Galaxy and the high-stakes Soweto derby against Orlando Pirates on 31 October.
Niemach maintained that a coaching change was necessary before the situation deteriorated further, urging the club to move swiftly in identifying a suitable replacement capable of delivering results.
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Source: Briefly News
