PREMIER SOCCER LEAGUE
Smiso Msomi|Published
Kaizer Chiefs have thrown their support behind head coach Fernando da Cruz and his technical team following the club’s disappointing exit from the CAF Confederation Cup.
In a statement published on Saturday, sporting director Kaizer Motaung Jr acknowledged the disappointment surrounding the result, but insisted that the setback would not derail the club’s long-term sporting strategy.
Chiefs were eliminated by Zambian side Red Arrows after losing 3-2 on penalties in their Confederation Cup preliminary-round tie, following a 1-1 aggregate draw.
The Amakhosi had won the second leg 1-0 at Moses Mabhida Stadium through Bradley Cross, but their failure to progress has raised questions about the team’s continental ambitions.
Motaung Jr, however, urged supporters to maintain perspective and reiterated the club’s confidence in the coaching staff.
"As a club, we would like to reaffirm our full support for, and confidence in, the head coach and the entire technical team. They continue to have our trust as they lead the implementation of a football philosophy and development pathway that we firmly believe will bring sustainable success," he said.
He added that the team’s professionalism, work ethic, and commitment to improvement remained beyond reproach, despite the result and the injuries affecting the squad.
Chiefs have endured a difficult start to the 2026/27 campaign, with their early continental elimination another setback as they seek to build on last season’s Nedbank Cup triumph.
Motaung Jr stressed that the club would not allow the disappointment of a single competition to dictate its broader direction, arguing that sustainable success requires consistency, resilience, and a clear sporting plan.
"We have made significant progress in key areas of our sporting project, and while setbacks are a natural part of any ambitious journey, they do not alter our conviction in the direction we are taking," he said.
The sporting director also indicated that the club would assess its performances, learn from the experience, and make improvements where necessary, while remaining committed to its playing identity and long-term objectives.
For supporters frustrated by the Confederation Cup exit, the statement represents a clear message that Chiefs are not planning an immediate change in direction at the technical level.
Motaung Jr acknowledged their disappointment and thanked them for their continued support, while calling for unity rather than division during a challenging period.
"Now is the time for unity, not division. We believe in the work being done, we believe in the people leading that work, and we believe the foundations being laid today will deliver the success our supporters deserve," he said.
Chiefs now turn their attention back to domestic competition, with the technical team under pressure to translate the club’s stated long-term vision into improved performances and results on the pitch.