Kaizer Chiefs Back Fernando Da Cruz as Kaizer Motaung Jr Addresses Team’s Current Struggles

Kaizer Chiefs sporting director Kaizer Motaung Jr has reaffirmed the club’s support for head coach Fernando Da Cruz and his technical team following the team’s disappointing exit from the CAF Confederation Cup.

In a statement released on Saturday, October 24, 2026, Motaung Jr acknowledged the frustration among supporters after Amakhosi failed to secure a place in the competition’s group stage. However, he insisted that the setback would not change the club’s commitment to its long-term sporting strategy.

Chiefs were eliminated by Zambian side Red Arrows after losing 3-2 on penalties in the second preliminary round. The Soweto giants had won the second leg 1-0, levelling the tie 1-1 on aggregate, but were unable to progress after the decisive shoot-out.

The elimination has raised questions among supporters about the team’s progress under Da Cruz, particularly as the club continues its efforts to re-establish itself among South Africa’s leading sides.

Despite the criticism, Motaung Jr made it clear that the club’s leadership remains confident in the French coach and his technical staff.

“As a Club, we would like to reaffirm our full support for, and confidence in, the Head Coach and the entire technical team,” he said in the statement published on the club’s official website.

He added that the coaching staff continued to have the club’s trust as they worked to implement a football philosophy and development pathway intended to deliver sustainable success.

Motaung Jr also acknowledged that the team’s continental exit had disappointed supporters, players and other stakeholders. He stressed, however, that success should not be judged solely by the outcome of one match or competition.

According to the sporting director, Chiefs had made progress in several areas of their sporting project, and the latest setback would not undermine the club’s confidence in its chosen direction.

He further indicated that the club would continue assessing performances, learning from disappointing results and making improvements where necessary.

The statement also recognised the role of supporters, whose expectations remain high given the club’s history and ambitions. Motaung Jr thanked them for their continued backing and called for unity as the team works to improve its performances.

“Now is the time for unity, not division,” he said, reiterating the club’s belief in the people responsible for implementing its long-term plans.

Chiefs must now turn their attention to domestic competitions as they attempt to respond to the continental disappointment. Their immediate challenge will be to regain momentum and deliver results that match the expectations of their supporters.

For Da Cruz, the public backing provides reassurance that the club intends to maintain its current technical direction despite the pressure surrounding recent performances.

Whether that confidence translates into improved results will be closely watched as Amakhosi continue their campaign.

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