Fernando Da Cruz joined Kaizer Chiefs at the start of the season after the club opted to part ways with co-coaches Cedric Kaze and Khalil Ben Youssef.
The duo, who took over from Nasreddine Nabi, struggled to find any real consistency last season. While Chiefs managed a third-place finish in the league, they ultimately went the entire campaign trophyless.
On the field of play, things just didn’t look like they were working, with the Glamour Boys managing to score just 33 goals in 30 league games.
It was a difficult season to be a Chiefs fan. While they struggled to find their footing, arch-rivals Orlando Pirates swept the domestic treble, and Mamelodi Sundowns lifted the CAF Champions League title.
Management at Naturena needed to make a big statement ahead of the new campaign, and that is why they turned to the Frenchman.
Da Cruz’s first five games at Chiefs
Coach Fernando Da Cruz got his Kaizer Chiefs tenure with a solid 3-1 victory over Kruger United in the league. It was then back down to earth for the Frenchman after his side got knocked out of the MTN8 at the first hurdle at the hands of Golden Arrows.
The Glamour Boys did however immediately bounce back from their cup loss with a convincing 2-0 win over a tricky Sekhukhune United side.
Next up was the first real test for Da Cruz, a fixture against Mamelodi Sundowns at a packed FNB Stadium. His defensive approach did raise some question marks, but walking away with a point wasn’t the worst outcome.
Kaizer Chiefs then faced Richards Bay in their fourth league match of the season and despite playing some of their best football thus far, individual errors and some sloppy defending meant the best they could come away with from Durban was a 2-2 draw.
6/10 for Da Cruz
While it has been far from flawless, Da Cruz has given us a glimpse of what Kaizer Chiefs should look like. A team in sync, strong in defence, and dangerous in attack. So far it’s a side trying to blend speed and flair with real grit and determination when their backs are against the wall.
Arguably the most impressive part of his tenure so far has been his willingness to back the club’s young talent. Luke Baartman (20), Langelihle Phili (21), Mfundo Vilakazi (20), Wandile Duba (22), and Mduduzi Shabalala (22) have all enjoyed valuable game time already this season.
Pulling eight points out of a possible 12 is a decent return, though after having missed out on the MTN8 semi-finals, the picture isn’t exactly pretty.
It’s important to note, the campaign is still in its early stages, but the next few weeks will be telling. One thing is certain though, if the results don’t follow, the relentless pressure at Naturena gives no one time to settle and the main seat in the house only gets hotter and hotter.
Photo: Lefty Shivambu/Gallo Images
