Da Cruz Reveals Why Mayo And Ighodaro Are Not Regular Chiefs Starters

Fernando da Cruz, the head coach of Kaizer Chiefs, has provided an explanation for why Khanyisa Mayo and Etiosa Ighodaro have not yet established themselves as consistent alternatives in the team’s attack, citing various obstacles that the two forwards must overcome.

Ighodaro has had time to comprehend the tactical strategy Da Cruz wants his men to employ, while Mayo is still striving for the physical condition needed for taxing games.

The coach’s remarks provide light on why the two attackers haven’t played as frequently as some fans might have anticipated, especially as the Chiefs try to bolster their offensive options.

Due to his prior success in South African football, Mayo came to Naturena with a solid reputation. Da Cruz, however, feels that before the former Cape Town City forward can be trusted in games that call for prolonged effort, he must acquire the required fitness.

Da Cruz explained that although Mayo was almost ready, he had not attained the necessary physical level, which is why he decided not to utilise him for the latest high-intensity match.

“Mayo is close by, and he’s a good player, but he wasn’t physically prepared to play this kind of game; he has to walk into the game, and with Ighodaro, he needs to comprehend the game model, so we’ll work with him,” he stated.

The circumstances are different for Ighodaro. The coach wants the new striker to learn about the team’s playing philosophy and what is expected of him within the system rather than concentrating only on physical preparedness.

Once the Nigerian forward has adjusted to the team’s demands, Da Cruz thinks he could offer an additional attacking option.

Using the Orlando Pirates as an example, the coach again emphasised the physical difficulty the Chiefs encounter when facing teams with potent benches.

“He can be another solution. We need to be physically prepared when we play teams like the Pirates. As you can see from the last 20 minutes, they are intense and they bring in new, talented players, so we need to be prepared.”

According to his comments, the Chiefs are prioritising both tactical knowledge and physical fitness as they work to increase their attacking depth.

While Ighodaro needs to keep understanding the team’s game plan, Mayo’s first priority right now is becoming fully fit for a match. As the season goes on, Da Cruz will hope that both attackers can eventually provide Amakhosi the extra attacking alternatives he needs.

Source: https://x.com/idiskitimes/status/2116806877375873273?s=46

Sidirebel feedback-opera-news-app@opera.com