UNPLUGGED | Da Cruz’s Chiefs claims clear as mud

Share current article via EmailShare current article via FacebookShare current article via TwitterShare current article via LinkedInBareng-Batho KortjaasSports editor and columnist: Sunday Times

Opens in new windowOpens in new windowOpens in new windowOpens in new windowOpens in new windowOpens in new windowEnter fullscreen mode displaying this image.ExpandElias Mokwana. Picture: GALLO IMAGES/RICHARD HUGGARD The arrival of Elias Mokwana at Kaizer Chiefs — albeit two years after the club initially stated its intent to sign the wily winger — has elicited excitement among the Amakhosi faithful.

Understandably so, because the 27-year-old is the calibre of quality and energy they desperately need.

The Bafana Bafana international, who boasts 11 caps and two goals for his country, brings experience supporters hope will elevate the side’s offensive play.

Their joy at finally landing the former Sekhukhune United forward — who arrives after spells at four-time African champions Espérance de Tunis and Saudi Pro League side Al-Hazem — was clouded by comments from coach Fernando Da Cruz, who intimated that the player will need time to adapt to the Chiefs style.

What is crystal clear is that the playing philosophy and game model are as clear as mud with firepower without potency. The luxury of time is a commodity Da Cruz does not have. The lukewarm start to the season has left some Chiefs fans unconvinced that the man is a candidate fit to cure the club of the chronic condition of underperformance.

While his statement may be informed by Mokwana’s inactivity — which will see him watch today’s Carling Knockout clash away to Siwelele FC from the stands — Da Cruz needs all hands on deck to bounce back to winning ways after losing his debut Soweto Derby last Saturday.

Despite dominating a dizzy Pirates in the first half, the Chiefs attack lacked a ruthless, efficient streak — a weakness for which they paid a heavy price when the pendulum swung in favour of the Buccaneers in the second stanza.

During the post-match press conference, Da Cruz delivered what sounded like an audition for a sit-down comedian slot when he said: “It is our third game in a week, and for a young team as [sic] us, it is a lot.

“Pirates have more experienced players, and that is why they have this consistency. Our young players will learn this consistently, game by game. It takes time; step by step, they will come right.”

It sounds like a quack diagnosis of a team in distress. Brandon Petersen (32), Reeve Frosler (28), Miguel Inacio (30), Thabo Moloisane (27), Paseka Mako (32), Lebohang Maboe (32), Sibongiseni Mthethwa (32), Mfundo Vilakazi (20), Mduduzi Shabalala (22), Pule Mmodi (33), Wandile Duba (22).

By any stretch of the imagination — fertile or otherwise — that starting XI does not reflect “young”. The youngest of the lot — the troika of Vilakazi, Duba and Shabalala — have featured multiple times in matches; only Moloisane made his maiden appearance.

Da Cruz can ill afford to clutch at straws. He must solve the goalscoring handicap — and fast.

Is Flavio Silva, scorer of eight goals in all competitions last season, out of favour? He has been restricted to measly minutes this campaign, with one goal against Kruger United back in August, his only contribution thus far.

If you thought his situation was bleak, things are no brighter for the uninjured, unsuspended Khanyiso Mayo, who increasingly appears not to be Da Cruz’s cup of tea.

His omission is tantamount to dereliction of duty by a coach who constantly bemoans the poor conversion of chances Chiefs create — a factor that has contributed to a return of five draws in nine league games.

Da Cruz said of Mokwana: “[He] is a very good player, an experienced player with international experience. He has a lot of quality. But with no preseason, [it] will be tough [to break into the side] but in the upcoming Fifa break, it will be the time to integrate him into the team step by step.”

This is the same Da Cruz who wasted little time in throwing Langelihle Phili into his starting set-up no sooner after the winger switched the Stellenbosch FC maroon for the Amakhosi gold and black.

For tonight’s clash against Siwelele, Da Cruz has implored his players to show “cup spirit” to avoid an upset against side they’ve beaten in the league.

Early exits from the MTN8 and Caf Confederation Cup underline that instruction. A defeat won’t help ease the pressure and convert Da Cruz doubters into believers.

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