Da Cruz Explains Why TS Galaxy Clash Matters More Than Soweto Derby

Kaizer Chiefs coach Fernando da Cruz has insisted that Tuesday’s Carling Knockout clash against TS Galaxy is his immediate priority, even with the highly anticipated Soweto Derby against Orlando Pirates scheduled for Saturday.

The French coach is heading into a crucial week after Chiefs suffered another cup disappointment, losing 3-2 on penalties to Zambian side Red Arrows and missing out on a place in the CAF Confederation Cup group stage.

That defeat followed the club’s earlier exit from the MTN8, leaving the Carling Knockout and Nedbank Cup as the remaining opportunities for Chiefs to pursue knockout silverware this season.

Da Cruz was appointed with the expectation of improving on the previous campaign under co-coaches Khalil Ben Youssef and Cedric Kaze. They guided Amakhosi into the Confederation Cup group stage and to third place in the league, but the club’s decision-makers opted not to renew their contracts.

Chiefs are also facing a difficult league campaign. They currently trail leaders Mamelodi Sundowns by nine points, while Sundowns and Orlando Pirates occupy the top two positions. The club must collect 41 points from its remaining 22 league matches to surpass last season’s total of 54 points.

With that context, the Carling Knockout has taken on added importance. Chiefs will host TS Galaxy at FNB Stadium on Tuesday, knowing that another disappointing result could affect confidence ahead of the derby.

Da Cruz, however, has urged his players to focus on the next challenge rather than becoming overwhelmed by pressure.

“The next game in the Carling Cup is the most important, so we must prepare to qualify for the next round,” he said.

“We must not put pressure on the players.”

The 54-year-old also expressed confidence that continued effort would eventually bring better results, pointing to the character and intensity he wants his team to maintain.

“If we continue to play with character and intensity, the luck will turn on our side, and we will win more games,” Da Cruz said.

He added that the season was still in its early stages and that Chiefs needed to keep working through a demanding schedule.

Tuesday’s meeting with TS Galaxy therefore offers Amakhosi an opportunity to progress in a competition that remains open to them. Only after that encounter will their attention turn fully to Saturday’s Soweto Derby against Pirates, another fixture carrying significant expectations for the club and its supporters.

Source: https://x.com/kickoffmagazine/status/2114688702819512563?s=46

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