Kaizer Chiefs Coach Da Cruz Explains Amakhosi’s Draws Ahead of Soweto Derby

KAIZER CHIEFS BOMBSHELL! Da Cruz Makes Bold Claim About Amakhosi’s Draws Ahead of Soweto Derby

JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA — 29 OCTOBER 2026

Kaizer Chiefs head coach Fernando Da Cruz has defended his team’s performances during a challenging start to the season, insisting that Amakhosi deserved to win the matches that ended in draws.

The French tactician believes the club’s results have not always reflected the quality of football his players have produced, with missed opportunities and injuries contributing to their inconsistent campaign.

His comments come at a crucial moment for Chiefs, who are preparing for Saturday’s highly anticipated Soweto Derby against arch-rivals Orlando Pirates after securing a convincing 3-0 victory over TS Galaxy in the Carling Knockout Cup.

Speaking about the team’s progress, Da Cruz highlighted the importance of the support he has received from the club’s board and sporting director, Kaizer Motaung Jr.

The coach explained that the club’s leadership closely monitors the work being done by the technical team and understands the effort invested in improving the squad.

“The board is there and the Sporting Director is there every day to see the commitment of the staff and the entire technical staff,” Da Cruz said.

He added that internal assessments had convinced the club that Chiefs had been unfortunate in several league matches.

“When we analyse the situation, you can see we have been unlucky because during all our draws that we made, we deserved to win,” he explained.

Da Cruz’s remarks underline his belief that the team’s struggles have not necessarily been caused by poor performances alone. However, the challenge remains to convert promising displays into victories and collect the points needed to improve their league position.

The comments also come after Motaung Jr publicly reaffirmed the club’s support for Da Cruz and his technical staff following Chiefs’ disappointing elimination from the CAF Confederation Cup.

The backing was significant given the frustration among supporters over the team’s recent results and the growing scrutiny surrounding the coaching department.

Da Cruz has maintained that regular discussions with management focus on evaluating performances, identifying weaknesses and finding ways to strengthen the team.

He has also pointed to injuries as another factor that has complicated Chiefs’ campaign.

Tuesday’s victory over TS Galaxy offered Amakhosi a timely confidence boost, with Wandile Duba scoring a hat-trick to send the club into the Carling Knockout quarter-finals.

Nevertheless, Da Cruz acknowledged that the result did not necessarily represent his team’s best performance of the season, arguing that Chiefs had previously created chances without being sufficiently clinical.

Saturday’s showdown against Orlando Pirates at FNB Stadium will provide another opportunity to demonstrate progress.

For Chiefs supporters, the priority will be seeing the team turn Da Cruz’s explanation into consistent results. The coach has defended his players’ efforts, but the Soweto Derby could prove an important test of whether Amakhosi can build momentum and deliver when the pressure is highest.

Source https://x.com/ChiefsCentralZA/status/2115767602949898625

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