Da cruz responds to kaizer motaung jnr’s support After Chiefs CAF Exit

da cruz responds to kaizer motaung jnr’s backing after chiefs’ caf exit

JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA — 28 OCTOBER 2026 — Kaizer Chiefs head coach Fernando Da Cruz has welcomed the public backing he received from the club’s sporting director, Kaizer Motaung Jnr, following Amakhosi’s disappointing elimination from the CAF Confederation Cup.

The French coach has insisted that the continental setback does not change his position at the club, with the leadership reaffirming its support for the technical team as Chiefs attempt to improve their performances across competitions.

Chiefs’ elimination came after a difficult two-legged encounter against Zambian side Red Arrows. Amakhosi lost the first leg 1-0 in Ndola before fighting to keep their qualification hopes alive in the return fixture at Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban.

Despite their efforts, Chiefs ultimately suffered elimination following a penalty shootout, bringing their continental campaign to an early end and increasing pressure on the team to deliver better results domestically.

The outcome was a major disappointment for supporters who had hoped to see the Soweto giants make progress in Africa and restore their reputation as a club capable of competing for honours on multiple fronts.

Da Cruz, however, appears determined to focus on the work ahead rather than allow the disappointment to define his tenure.

Following the elimination, Motaung Jnr publicly reaffirmed the club’s support for Da Cruz and his technical team, signalling that the leadership remains committed to its broader football project.

The backing is significant because Chiefs have faced scrutiny over their performances and results, with supporters demanding greater consistency and visible progress.

By standing behind the coach, the club’s leadership has indicated that its plans extend beyond the disappointment of a single competition. However, that support also comes with the expectation that the team will continue working towards improved results.

For Da Cruz, the public statement provides reassurance as he seeks to implement his ideas and build a competitive squad capable of meeting the club’s ambitions.

Da Cruz faces the challenge of rebuilding Chiefs

The Confederation Cup exit has placed the spotlight on Chiefs’ ability to turn encouraging moments into consistent performances. The team showed determination during the return leg against Red Arrows, but their failure to secure qualification highlighted the fine margins that can determine success in knockout football.

After the match, Da Cruz argued that Chiefs had created enough opportunities to win comfortably, expressing his belief that his side could have scored three or four goals.

That assessment reflected the coach’s frustration with the result, particularly after his players had worked to overturn the first-leg deficit.

Nevertheless, football results remain an important measure of progress at a club with Chiefs’ history. Supporters will expect the team to respond positively in the Betway Premiership and demonstrate that the lessons from their continental disappointment have been understood.

Da Cruz must now ensure that his players remain focused, improve their attacking efficiency and maintain the discipline needed to compete against domestic opponents.

Motaung Jnr’s backing provides a clear indication that the club is prepared to continue working with its coach despite the disappointment in Africa. It does not, however, remove the pressure to produce results.

Chiefs need to build momentum in the league, where every match presents an opportunity to strengthen their position and restore confidence among their supporters.

For Da Cruz, the immediate priority is to turn the club’s public support into progress on the pitch. Consistent performances, improved finishing and positive results will be essential if he is to reward the faith shown in him by the Chiefs hierarchy.

The coming fixtures could therefore prove important in determining whether Amakhosi can put their continental disappointment behind them and regain stability in their domestic campaign.

For now, Da Cruz has the backing of the club’s leadership. The next challenge is to ensure that the team’s performances begin to reflect the confidence placed in the technical team.

Source https://x.com/Soccer_Laduma/status/2115408290138001459

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