Kaizer Chiefs Provide Update on Fernando Da Cruz

Bobby Motaung Backs Da Cruz as Chiefs Face Growing Pressure

Kaizer Chiefs football manager Bobby Motaung has reaffirmed his confidence in head coach Fernando Da Cruz, calling on supporters to remain patient as the Soweto giants continue working towards their long-term objectives.

Da Cruz has faced growing scrutiny following an inconsistent start to the 2026/27 campaign, with disappointing results in domestic and continental competitions raising questions among sections of the Amakhosi faithful.

However, Motaung believes the club must remain committed to its broader vision rather than making decisions based on short-term frustrations.

Speaking on Marawa Sports Worldwide, the Chiefs football manager expressed satisfaction with the work being done by Da Cruz and his technical team, insisting that the club is not interested in making rushed decisions about its coaching position.

“I’m happy,” Motaung said, while highlighting the importance of allowing the coach sufficient time to implement his ideas.

He also praised Da Cruz’s authority within the dressing room and the professional standards maintained by the technical team.

According to Motaung, Chiefs have a long-term plan in place, and the coach’s responsibility includes developing younger players while building a competitive squad capable of challenging for major honours.

He pointed to the opportunities given to promising talents such as Wandile Duba and Mfundo Vilakazi as examples of the direction the club wants to take.

The football manager also acknowledged that injuries have affected the team’s stability, with the return of unavailable players expected to provide the technical team with more options as the season progresses.

Motaung further noted that the Betway Premiership presents unique challenges, meaning Da Cruz must continue adapting to the demands of South African football.

His comments come after Chiefs suffered an early exit from the CAF Confederation Cup, losing to Zambia’s Red Arrows on penalties following a 1-1 aggregate draw. Amakhosi had also exited the MTN8 earlier in the campaign, increasing pressure on the coaching staff.

Nevertheless, Chiefs responded positively by defeating TS Galaxy 3-0 in the Carling Knockout, providing a timely boost ahead of their highly anticipated Soweto Derby against Orlando Pirates.

The result offered Da Cruz an opportunity to ease some of the criticism while preparing his team for one of the biggest fixtures on the South African football calendar.

For Chiefs supporters, the immediate priority remains seeing greater consistency and improved performances on the pitch.

Motaung’s message, however, is clear: the club wants progress built on stability, patience and a defined football philosophy.

Da Cruz now has the backing of the club’s leadership, but delivering positive results will be crucial as Chiefs look to restore their position among South Africa’s leading teams.

Source https://x.com/KickOffMagazine/status/2116077761185857815?a=QMsR2PgN5xxkECkFDoc&s=19

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