Da Cruz Reacts After Kaizer Chiefs Board Backs Him

‘I’m Not a Better Coach Than Last Week’: Da Cruz Reacts After Kaizer Chiefs Board Backs Him

Kaizer Chiefs head coach Fernando da Cruz has responded to the club’s public show of support following their disappointing elimination from the CAF Confederation Cup, insisting that his ability as a coach has not changed because of one result.

The Frenchman has come under scrutiny after Amakhosi failed to progress beyond the preliminary rounds of the continental competition. However, sporting director Kaizer Motaung Jr and the club’s board have reaffirmed their confidence in Da Cruz and his technical team, emphasising their commitment to the club’s long-term football project.

Chiefs were eliminated by Zambian side Red Arrows after the tie finished 1-1 on aggregate, with the visitors winning 3-2 on penalties. The setback disappointed supporters who had hoped to see the Soweto giants make a significant impact on the continental stage.

Despite the criticism, the club’s management has made it clear that it remains committed to its current direction rather than making decisions based solely on a disappointing result.

Speaking after Chiefs’ Carling Knockout victory over TS Galaxy on Tuesday, Da Cruz expressed his gratitude to Motaung Jr and the board for their continued backing.

“First thing I would like to thank the club for the statement, I would like to thank the Sporting Director and the whole board for the statement they made,” Da Cruz said, as reported by iDiski Times.

The coach also explained that regular discussions with the sporting director allow the club to evaluate performances, identify weaknesses and work towards improving the team.

According to Da Cruz, the relationship between the technical team and management is built around a long-term plan rather than the outcome of individual matches.

He stressed that the club’s approach to assessing his work remains consistent, regardless of whether Chiefs win, draw or lose.

“In our meeting we always speak to improve the team every day, and today I’m not a better coach than last week just before we were eliminated from the CAF Confederation Cup,” he added.

Da Cruz also pointed to injuries and dropped points as factors that have complicated Chiefs’ campaign, arguing that some of the team’s draws did not reflect their performances.

Meanwhile, Amakhosi received a timely confidence boost with a convincing 3-0 victory over TS Galaxy in the Carling Knockout Round of 16. Wandile Duba stole the spotlight by scoring a hat-trick to help Chiefs advance to the quarter-finals.

The result came at an important moment for Da Cruz, who has faced growing pressure from sections of the club’s support base.

Attention now turns to the Soweto Derby against Orlando Pirates, where Chiefs will have an opportunity to build on their cup victory.

For Da Cruz, the challenge is clear: turn the club’s public backing into consistent performances and results while convincing supporters that the team’s long-term project is moving in the right direction.

Source https://x.com/iDiskiTimes/status/2115507711299265000?a=WecSVbLjiCZaRYqrUAY&s=19

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