Kaizer Chiefs Back Fernando Da Cruz After CAF Confederation Cup Exit
- Kaizer Chiefs have responded after their disappointing CAF Confederation Cup exit against Red Arrows
- Sporting director Kaizer Motaung Junior has reaffirmed the club’s support for Fernando da Cruz and his technical team
- Amakhosi have addressed supporters’ frustrations and outlined their stance on the club’s long-term plans
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Kaizer Chiefs sporting director Kaizer Motaung Junior has reaffirmed the club's support for head coach Fernando da Cruz following Amakhosi's disappointing elimination from the CAF Confederation Cup.
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Chiefs were knocked out by Zambian side Red Arrows on Friday, 23 October, after losing 3-2 on penalties at Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban. The second-leg match ended in a 1-0 victory for Amakhosi, leaving the tie level at 1-1 on aggregate.
Bradley Cross scored the decisive goal in regulation time, but Chiefs failed to secure qualification for the group stage.
In a statement released on Saturday, Motaung Junior acknowledged the frustration surrounding the result but insisted that the setback would not change the club's long-term sporting strategy.
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Kaizer Chiefs reaffirm support for Fernando Da Cruz
Motaung Junior confirmed that Da Cruz and his technical team retained the club's confidence despite the early continental exit.
The sporting director said the club remained committed to its football philosophy and development plans, adding that sustainable success required consistency, resilience and a clear sporting direction.
"As a Club, we would like to reaffirm our full support for, and confidence in, the Head Coach and the entire technical team," Motaung Junior said in the statement.
He also praised the coaching staff's professionalism, work ethic and commitment to improving the team.
The Chiefs director acknowledged that supporters, players and staff shared the disappointment of the elimination. However, he maintained that one result should not determine the future of the club's broader sporting project.
Motaung Junior added that Chiefs would continue to assess their performances honestly, learn from setbacks and identify areas requiring improvement.
Read the statement in the post on X below.
Chiefs call for unity after Red Arrows defeat
The club also acknowledged the frustration among supporters following their failure to progress in the CAF Confederation Cup. Despite winning the second leg, Amakhosi could not overturn the aggregate deficit without taking the tie to penalties. Red Arrows ultimately prevailed 3-2 in the shootout to secure their place in the group stage.
Chiefs' elimination came despite creating several scoring opportunities during the return fixture. Da Cruz subsequently expressed disappointment that his side had failed to convert more chances before the penalty shootout.
Motaung Junior urged supporters to remain behind the team as the club continued working towards its domestic and continental ambitions.
"Now is the time for unity, not division," he said.
The sporting director reiterated that Chiefs remained committed to their long-term objectives and would continue making improvements where necessary.
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Source: Briefly News
