12 Against 11: Da Cruz Breaks Silence After Kaizer Chiefs Lose to Orlando Pirates

Kaizer Chiefs head coach Fernando Da Cruz has openly criticised referee Luxolo Badi following his team’s 2-1 defeat to Orlando Pirates in the Soweto Derby at FNB Stadium on Saturday afternoon. The Frenchman was unhappy with several decisions made during the match and claimed that Pirates effectively played with 12 men instead of 11.

The Buccaneers secured all three points through goals from Yanela Mbuthuma and Tshepang Moremi, while Pule Mmodi scored the only goal for Amakhosi. The result moved Pirates to the top of the Betway Premiership table, while Chiefs remained in fifth position after suffering their first league defeat of the campaign.

Speaking after the match, Da Cruz questioned the decision to allow Pirates’ opening goal to stand. He believed Mbuthuma was in an offside position when he scored and also felt that a Pirates player should have been sent off during the first half after receiving a second yellow card.

The Chiefs coach was particularly frustrated because he believed the match could have taken a different direction if those decisions had gone in his team’s favour. According to Da Cruz, playing against 10 Pirates players would have given Amakhosi a better opportunity to control the contest.

“Pirates play as 12 and not 11,” the Frenchman stated.

“The first goal is offside, and then a player of Pirates deserves a second yellow, meaning red card. And then we play 11 vs 10 and not 11 vs 11.”

His comments are likely to attract attention from both sets of supporters, especially considering the importance of the Soweto Derby. Refereeing decisions in matches involving Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates often generate strong reactions, and Da Cruz’s criticism has added another talking point to the rivalry.

However, the Chiefs coach also acknowledged that his team had opportunities to take control of the match before half-time. He felt Amakhosi should have scored more goals during the opening 45 minutes instead of allowing Pirates to remain in the contest.

Chiefs managed to equalise through Mmodi shortly after Mbuthuma’s opener, giving them a chance to build momentum. Nevertheless, they were unable to maintain their attacking threat throughout the second half.

Pirates made changes during the break and gradually improved their performance. Moremi eventually scored the winning goal after a quick counter-attack, leaving Chiefs with little time to find another equaliser.

Da Cruz admitted that his players struggled during the final 20 minutes, explaining that fatigue and a lack of experience affected their ability to manage the closing stages.

“In the second half we were less dangerous in our game. To finish the last 20 minutes we were tired.

“Maybe we concede two or three more goals, but it’s not chances Pirates created but because we are tired and lack of experience we give them opportunity to kill the game in transition.”

The coach’s comments suggest that he believes the defeat was influenced by both the match officials’ decisions and his team’s inability to maintain its performance during the closing stages. However, his criticism of the referee is likely to remain one of the biggest talking points following the derby.

The result leaves Kaizer Chiefs in fifth place with 14 points from nine matches, 11 points behind Orlando Pirates. For Amakhosi, it was their first defeat in the Betway Premiership campaign, while Pirates strengthened their position at the top of the table.

Da Cruz will now have to focus on helping his players recover from the disappointment and prepare for their next challenge. His team showed promise during the first half, but the defeat has highlighted the importance of taking opportunities and managing difficult moments in high-pressure matches.

Thaboalpheus21 feedback-opera-news-app@opera.com