Da Cruz confident Chiefs can challenge Sundowns – if consistency holds

Mihlali Baleka|Published 35 minutes ago

Kaizer Chiefs coach Fernando da Cruz believes his side can compete with Mamelodi Sundowns in one-off matches, but admits it remains to be seen if Amakhosi can match the reigning champions over the course of a full season.

Kaizer Chiefs coach Fernando da Cruz claims his side can compete with Mamelodi Sundowns, though he is uncertain whether they can maintain that intensity for the rest of the season.

Sundowns are arguably the best team in domestic football at the moment. They proved their prowess by cruising past Betway Premiership champions Orlando Pirates in the MTN8 final at Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday night, claiming the first domestic silverware of the season.

Prior to that, the Brazilians were crowned the best team on the African continent, as well as in the Asian and Pacific regions, after winning the CAF Champions League and Fifa African-Asian-Pacific Cup respectively.

Now with the Brazilians at the pinnacle of these regions, teams are keen to measure their competitiveness against them.

Speaking at his pre-match media duties ahead of the clash against Stellenbosch at FNB Stadium on Tuesday night (7:30 pm), Da Cruz made a bold claim, referencing the match where Amakhosi held Sundowns to a 1-1 draw at the same venue earlier in the season.

“We saw at the beginning of the season that we can compete against Mamelodi Sundowns in that one game,” he said. “We played very well against them.

“Our objective is to compete throughout the season, and complete all the steps against them throughout the season in the PSL. However, at the moment, I can’t say whether we are able to do that or not.”

Chiefs will face Stellenbosch in their first match after the FIFA break, eager to maintain their unbeaten start to the league. They are currently fourth on the log with 13 points, seven behind leaders Sundowns, who have played one game more.

Da Cruz faces Stellies with injury concerns, especially with midfield trio Lebohang Maboe, Siphesihle Ndlovu, and Adolf Mtasingwa all out, leaving Sibongiseni Mthethwa as the only fit regular. The Frenchman is unfazed, though.

“I understand the question very well, and directly,” said Da Cruz on having Mthethwa as the most recognisable central midfielder available for selection. “But we have prepared some things, and you’ll see tomorrow.”