Kaizer Chiefs coach Fernando Da Cruz has called for unity among the club’s players, technical team, management and supporters following their 1-0 defeat to Red Arrows in the CAF Confederation Cup.
Amakhosi suffered a narrow defeat in Zambia on Saturday afternoon in the first leg of the preliminary round, leaving them with work to do in the return fixture as they look to secure a place in the group stages.
Tensions were also evident after the final whistle, with Chiefs players Renaldo Leaner and Reeve Frosler seen exchanging words before teammates and members of the technical team intervened to separate them.
With pressure mounting ahead of the return leg, Da Cruz has urged the club’s supporters to remain behind the team, insisting that unity will be crucial as Chiefs attempt to overturn the deficit.
“We know that they (fans) are not happy because in the PSL we don’t lose but we don’t win as well,” Da Cruz said.
“We lost but there is a second leg, and we need them at home to be behind us for us to win and qualify.”
The Chiefs coach also stressed the importance of everyone at the club pulling in the same direction during a difficult period, expressing confidence that better results would follow.
Da Cruz feeling pressure at Chiefs
“What is most important in this type of period is that we need to be together as staff, management, players, fans, and everyone to go through this period because after this period we will have better results.”
Da Cruz’s call for unity comes as Chiefs continue to search for consistency under his leadership. In his first 10 matches in charge, the coach has recorded three wins, two defeats and five draws.
The result against Red Arrows adds to the pressure on Amakhosi, who must now respond in the return fixture if they are to keep their hopes of reaching the CAF Confederation Cup group stages alive.
With home support expected to play an important role, Chiefs will need a strong response on the pitch to turn the tie around and avoid an early exit from continental competition.