“I Prefer Congruency” Fernando Da Cruz Sends Sudden, Cold Warning To Dortley And Moloisane

Da Cruz Reveals His Preferred Chiefs Centre-Back Partnership As Dortley And Moloisane Impress

Kaizer Chiefs coach Fernando Da Cruz has admitted that Rushwin Dortley and Thabo Moloisane have given him another strong option at the heart of the Amakhosi defence, although the French tactician appears keen to develop consistency in his defensive selections.

Dortley and Moloisane were reunited in central defence during Chiefs’ Carling Knockout quarter-final against Siwelele FC at the New Peter Mokaba Stadium on Sunday.

The partnership came about after Inacio Miguel was suspended following his sending-off in the Soweto Derby against Orlando Pirates. Dortley was handed only his second appearance of the season, having recently returned from a lengthy injury layoff.

Chiefs ultimately secured a 2-1 comeback victory, with Wandile Duba converting a penalty before Asanele Velebayi scored late to send Amakhosi into the Carling Knockout semi-finals.

Speaking about his defensive options, Da Cruz acknowledged the quality of the Dortley-Moloisane combination while stressing the importance of developing continuity.

“For sure these two centre-backs is an option for us, and it will be an option in the future, but I prefer to have a congruency, it’s better,” Da Cruz said, according to iDiski Times.

The comments are significant because Chiefs have had to regularly adjust their defensive setup this season due to injuries, suspensions and player availability.

Dortley’s return has given the coach another valuable option. The defender spent a lengthy period on the sidelines because of injury before making his comeback against TS Galaxy in the Carling Knockout.

Da Cruz has previously praised Dortley’s technical ability, vision, aerial strength and capacity to break opposition lines. His return therefore gives Chiefs a different profile at centre-back and increases competition for places.

Moloisane, meanwhile, has continued to feature prominently and has already shown that he can provide stability in central defence.

The biggest challenge for Da Cruz now could be deciding which combination offers the best balance as Chiefs move deeper into the season.

The coach has made it clear that he values consistency, suggesting that repeatedly changing the defensive partnership can make it more difficult for players to develop the understanding required at centre-back.

At the same time, the number of options available is a positive development for Amakhosi.

With Miguel suspended for the Siwelele fixture, Dortley received his opportunity and made the most of it alongside Moloisane. Chiefs now have another combination to consider as they prepare for an important stretch of the campaign.

The club’s progression to the Carling Knockout semi-finals has also provided a major boost. Chiefs will face Mamelodi Sundowns in the last four, setting up another demanding test for Da Cruz and his squad.

The coach has welcomed the challenge, saying games against top opposition are important for Chiefs’ continued growth.

For Dortley and Moloisane, the upcoming period could provide an opportunity to establish themselves as a reliable defensive partnership.

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