Amakhosi’s Secret Weapon Revealed: Can Injured Stars Save Chiefs From 12-Point Disaster

Kaizer Chiefs head coach Fernando da Cruz remains optimistic about his team’s chances of challenging for the Betway Premiership title despite suffering a disappointing defeat to Orlando Pirates in the Soweto Derby.

The Frenchman believes Amakhosi still have sufficient time to turn their campaign around, pointing to the 21 remaining league fixtures and the expected return of injured players as important factors that could influence their season.

Chiefs suffered a 2-1 defeat against their bitter rivals at FNB Stadium on Saturday, 31 October 2026. The result was a significant setback for the Naturena-based side, who are attempting to close the gap on league leaders Mamelodi Sundowns.

According to recent reports, Chiefs are 12 points behind Sundowns, leaving them with considerable work to do if they hope to challenge for the championship.

However, Da Cruz has refused to abandon his ambitions, insisting that the league campaign remains long enough for his team to recover.

Speaking after the Soweto Derby, Da Cruz admitted that winning the league had become more difficult following the defeat. Nevertheless, he maintained that the return of injured players could help improve the team’s performances.

He explained that injuries have affected Chiefs since the beginning of the season, contributing to inconsistent performances and several draws that have cost the club valuable points.

The coach believes that having a stronger squad available will give his team a better opportunity to establish consistency and turn promising performances into victories.

Chiefs have shown encouraging signs in several matches but have struggled to collect maximum points. Their inability to convert opportunities into goals has become a concern as the competition at the top of the standings intensifies.

Da Cruz is therefore hoping that the recovery of key players will provide the necessary boost for a sustained improvement in results.

Although 21 fixtures remain, Chiefs cannot afford many more setbacks if they want to remain serious contenders for the league title.

Sundowns have established an advantage at the top, while Orlando Pirates are also competing strongly. Consequently, Amakhosi will need to put together a consistent run of victories rather than depend entirely on their rivals dropping points.

The return of injured players could improve the team’s depth, but the squad must also demonstrate greater composure and experience in decisive moments.

Da Cruz has acknowledged that his young players still have important lessons to learn, stressing that development takes time and cannot happen overnight.

For Amakhosi supporters, the coming weeks could prove crucial in determining the direction of the club’s campaign.

The immediate priority will be improving results, reducing costly draws and ensuring that promising performances translate into victories.

While the 12-point deficit presents a difficult challenge, Da Cruz believes the season is far from over.

Whether Chiefs can revive their title ambitions will ultimately depend on how quickly they regain consistency and take advantage of the remaining fixtures.

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