THE FINAL WHISTLE
Mihlali Baleka|Published
Another season, another directionless campaign seems to loom large for Kaizer Chiefs. The man expected to lead the team, Fernando Da Cruz, rarely inspires confidence through either his words or actions.
Da Cruz boldly claimed that his team could match the intensity of African champions Mamelodi Sundowns after holding them to a 1–1 draw two months ago, but remained uncertain about whether they could maintain that intensity for the rest of the season.
The Frenchman’s fears became a reality on Tuesday night as his team were frustrated by Stellenbosch FC at FNB Stadium, drawing their third successive league game and their fifth in total in eight games since the start of the season.
Not only did they drop points at home, but they also failed to close the gap on log leaders Sundowns, who boast a nine-point lead despite having played an extra game. Sundowns’ position further exposed the gulf in quality between the two sides, while their 4–1 victory over Richards Bay after winning the MTN8 showed that they had suffered no hangover blues from their MTN8 triumph.
Granted, Chiefs could have done better, but Da Cruz’s approach did little to inspire confidence, especially after he opted for six defensive players, including deploying Paseka Mako as a winger and Reeve Frosler as a midfielder.
It is not that I am suggesting Da Cruz should not explore the versatility of his players, but I am sure most discerning Chiefs supporters were wondering why he left natural options for those positions on the bench and went with a makeshift crew. That, if anything, exposed a lack of trust in players such as Ethan Chislett and Asanele Velebayi, who both started on the bench.
Injuries are part and parcel of the game, and no Chiefs player is immune to them. So, it is quite understandable that the team finds itself having to patch up gaps. However, if Da Cruz is complaining about a lack of depth, then he should know that he is also part of the problem.
I say that with the understanding that I don’t know how things went his way in the market during the winter transfer window. However, there were reports at the time that he was happy with the squad, and that is precisely why they did not do enough in the transfer window to strengthen the team.
What is probably most disappointing for Chiefs supporters is that Da Cruz arrived in familiar surroundings, having initially joined the club alongside his predecessor, Nasreddine Nabi, who brought silverware in his first season after preaching to the masses to "trust the process."
Some experts have argued that Chiefs should be able to match Orlando Pirates this season, as the latter are undergoing somewhat of a renovation. But alas, even with a young, new-look team, Pirates remain head and shoulders above Chiefs on the local front.
Chiefs cannot afford to focus on their neighbours, Pirates, though. Instead, they must fine-tune their approach and work on themselves to ensure they are better equipped to win football matches.
The recent Carling Knockout last-16 draw was conducted this week, with Chiefs drawn against TS Galaxy. The draw once again highlighted the need for Chiefs to improve up front, an area that has been giving them sleepless nights.
Da Cruz will put domestic football aside for now and ensure his team gives its full attention to Red Arrows on Saturday in Zambia. That match could provide a clearer indication of just how close or far off Chiefs are from matching the best, and whether Da Cruz’s bold claims can translate into performances on the pitch.