Da Cruz relishes Downs showdown in Carling semis

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Opens in new windowOpens in new windowOpens in new windowOpens in new windowEnter fullscreen mode displaying this image.ExpandFernando Da Cruz, coach of Kaizer Chiefs, during the Carling Knockout Cup 2026/27 quarterfinal match against Siwelele FC at Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane on November 8 2026. Picture: BackpagePix/Sydney Mahlangu Kaizer Chiefs coach Fernando da Cruz views facing Mamelodi Sundowns in the Carling Knockout semifinals as another chance for his team to grow, albeit highlighting they still want to go to the final.

Chiefs advanced to the Carling Knockout last four after beating Siwelele 2-1 at Peter Mokaba Stadium on Sunday, setting up an away date with Sundowns. The league is yet to confirm dates and venues for the competition’s semifinals, though they are expected to be played after the current Fifa break.

Asanele Velebayi came off the bench to score the winner for Chiefs, his first since arriving at the club in August last year. Siyabonga Ndebele had put Siwelele ahead early in the first half before Wandile Duba restored parity for Amakhosi on the stroke of halftime. Mduduzi Shabalala had skied one spot-kick seven minutes before Duba converted his.

“We knew when we qualified for the semifinals we’d play a big game there. We need this type of game because our team needs to grow. With this type of game against Sundowns our team will grow,” Da Cruz said.

“It will be a very good game for us and we will play that game for sure to qualify for the final.”

Chiefs have missed two chances of winning a cup this season after being eliminated in the quarterfinals of the MTN8 in August, before failing to make it to the CAF Confederation Cup group stages last month. Amakhosi have struggled to stay consistent in the league, having already played five draws.

It is because of this that Da Cruz feels reaching the Carling Knockout semifinals will boost their morale and put them on a “positive dynamic” after a tough few months.

“When you win, it’s always a pleasure. It gives confidence to the team and allows us to be on a positive dynamic. At the start of the season we didn’t get the results we expected, but I am happy about the work of the team and the mindset and how the team progressed as well,” the Chiefs coach said.

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