CONTINENTAL
Mihlali Baleka|Published
Kaizer Chiefs coach Fernando da Cruz is pleased with the quick turnaround of matches, believing it will give his team time to build on the positives they showed despite failing to qualify for the CAF Confederation Cup group stage.
Chiefs lost 3–2 on penalties to Zambia’s Red Arrows in the second leg of the qualifiers in Durban, after winning the match 1–0 in regulation time to level the aggregate score following a 1–0 defeat in Ndola a week earlier.
Amakhosi, though, were their own worst enemies at home. They created ample chances throughout the game to seal the tie but failed where it mattered most – converting those scoring opportunities.
Mduduzi Shabalala drew heavy criticism from supporters after missing key chances, adding to the frustration of a fanbase enduring a four-match winless streak across all competitions.
Speaking during his post-match press conference at Moses Mabhida Stadium, Da Cruz chose to see a silver lining in the team's chance creation:
“When we win or lose, we must analyze the game very well,” Da Cruz said. “When you analyze this game, you see that we dominated and created chances. That’s the most positive thing. The most important thing is not to put too much pressure on these players. Everyone saw the performance today. We are on the right track.”
Chiefs have no time to dwell on the loss. They must carry the momentum of their 90-minute victory – sealed by a Bradley Cross header – into their upcoming fixture. Da Cruz explained why he welcomes the quick return to action ahead of Tuesday night's Carling Knockout last-16 clash against TS Galaxy at FNB Stadium (7pm kickoff).
“It’s good that we are playing quickly again; the mental switch will be faster as well,” Da Cruz said. “The most important thing on my mind right now is the Carling Knockout. The next match is always the most important one, so we must prepare properly to reach the next round.”
A victory against bogey side Galaxy is crucial, as the clash serves as a dress rehearsal for Saturday's Soweto derby against arch-rivals Orlando Pirates. Pirates head into the fixture full of confidence as South Africa's continental representatives in the Champions League group stage, following Mamelodi Sundowns' shock exit.