Da Cruz Says Chiefs Cannot Compete Financially With Sundowns and Pirates

NEWS HUB CREATOR • 1h ago

Kaizer Chiefs head coach Fernando Da Cruz has criticised the condition of the pitch at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium following his side’s 1-0 defeat to Red Arrows in the first leg of the CAF Confederation Cup second preliminary round in Zambia.

The defeat extended Amakhosi’s winless run to six matches across all competitions, increasing the pressure on the French tactician as the Soweto giants prepare for the return leg at home. Chiefs must overturn the one-goal deficit to keep their hopes of reaching the group stage for a second consecutive season alive.

Da Cruz admitted that the playing surface made it difficult for his players to execute their preferred style of football. However, he insisted that the team gradually adapted to the conditions and attempted to compete despite the challenges.

The Chiefs coach also maintained that his team was prepared for Red Arrows’ approach, which involved long balls, quick runs and crosses into the penalty area. He believed Amakhosi controlled significant periods of the encounter but were punished after conceding the only goal from a corner kick.

Despite expressing disappointment with the result, Da Cruz believes his players put considerable effort into the match. Nevertheless, he acknowledged that the team must improve its attacking effectiveness and overall performance in the second leg.

Meanwhile, the coach has appealed for patience from supporters, highlighting the financial challenges facing the club. Da Cruz argued that Kaizer Chiefs cannot be compared financially with rivals Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates, who have greater resources to recruit their preferred players.

He suggested that additional financial support from the club’s management would help strengthen the squad and improve its competitiveness.

His comments come as Chiefs face growing pressure to deliver positive results and restore confidence among their supporters.

The upcoming return leg will be crucial for Da Cruz and his players. Amakhosi must take advantage of playing at home, create more scoring opportunities and remain defensively disciplined if they hope to overturn the deficit.

With their continental campaign hanging in the balance, Chiefs will need a determined performance to silence their critics and keep their qualification hopes alive.