Former Chiefs Striker Slams Da Cruz and Calls for His Sacking

Former Kaizer Chiefs striker Kenny Niemach has called for head coach Fernando Da Cruz to be sacked. He insists the club needs a more ambitious coach who understands that a season without silverware is simply not acceptable at a club of Amakhosi’s size and history.

Niemach’s comments come as pressure grows on the Frenchman at Naturena. Da Cruz took charge in July after signing a two-year deal with a further one-year option. He arrived from the Moroccan Football Federation, where he worked as technical director, having previously spent a short spell with Chiefs during a pre-season.

So far this season, results have been mixed. Chiefs remain unbeaten in the Betway Premiership, but a series of draws has left them well behind the leaders. They sit in the top four after collecting points from their opening matches, yet they trail Mamelodi Sundowns by a clear margin and sit behind Orlando Pirates. A recent 1-0 defeat away to Zambia’s Red Arrows in the CAF Confederation Cup has added to the concerns, stretching a winless run across competitions.

Niemach, who scored goals for the Glamour Boys in the past, believes the current approach falls short of what supporters expect. He argues that previous coaches were dismissed when they failed to meet clear targets, and the same standard should apply now. For a club that has gone long periods without major trophies, he says, simply staying competitive is not enough. The coach must show greater ambition and drive the team towards silverware.

His view adds to criticism from other former players and analysts. Some have questioned Da Cruz’s team selections and cautious style, pointing to defensive setups even in home games. Others have suggested the coach may not last beyond January if results do not improve quickly, especially with big fixtures against Pirates and Sundowns still to come.

At the same time, some voices around the club have urged patience. Chiefs finished third last season under the previous technical team, and Da Cruz has stressed the need to build consistency over the full campaign. Injuries in midfield have also limited his options at times.

For Amakhosi fans, however, the message from Niemach is clear. At Kaizer Chiefs, a season that ends without a trophy is seen as a failure. Whether the club acts on that view or gives the coach more time will shape the rest of the campaign at Naturena.

Source: https://x.com/KickOffMagazine/status/2112524283461165079