“Not Ready Yet”: Da Cruz Drops Cold Truth On Amakhosi Fans Despite Toyota Cup Victory
Kaizer Chiefs coach Fernando Da Cruz has admitted his squad is not yet ready to compete for major honours, insisting the club still needs more attacking reinforcements before it can realistically challenge for silverware this season.
Although Amakhosi secured a 1-0 victory over Zimbabwean giants Scottland FC to lift the 2026 Toyota Cup at the Royal Bafokeng Stadium on Sunday, Da Cruz poured cold water on suggestions that his side is already equipped to challenge for the Betway Premiership title, the CAF Confederation Cup and domestic trophies.
When asked whether the current squad was strong enough to compete for silverware, the French coach gave a straightforward response, making it clear that Chiefs remain a work in progress despite their encouraging pre-season performances.
“For the moment, no,” he said.
“We have to look for attacking options, but once we have the full squad together, we can assess whether we are capable of challenging the other teams for the PSL title and also having a good campaign in the CAF Confederation Cup.”
Chiefs have made only three signings so far during the transfer window, bringing in goalkeeper Renaldo Leaner, defender Thabo Moloisane and defensive midfielder Adolf Mtasingwa. Of those three recruits, only Mtasingwa featured against Scottland, making his unofficial debut in the Toyota Cup triumph.
Rather than relying heavily on new signings, Da Cruz entrusted several players who were already part of the squad last season. Mfundo Vilakazi, Asanele Velebayi and Flavio Da Silva started as the front three. At the same time, Etiosa Ighodaro and Wandile Duba were introduced in the second half as the coach continued assessing his existing attacking options.
While the Chiefs mentor acknowledged the need for further attacking reinforcements, he also highlighted Duba as one of the players capable of giving him tactical flexibility across the frontline.
“He’s an interesting player because he can play as a winger, a forward or a striker,” Da Cruz added.
“So it’s very interesting. I like to have players in my squad who can play in different positions.
“Just because he played as a winger today doesn’t mean he can’t play as a forward or a striker in the coming weeks.”
Chiefs will now turn their attention to the start of the 2026/27 Betway Premiership season, where they will travel to Mpumalanga to face newly promoted Kruger United on 1 August, hoping to begin their league campaign on a positive note while the club continues its efforts to strengthen the squad.
