Da Cruz: “We Can’t Keep Conceding Stupid Goals”

Kaizer Chiefs coach Fernando da Cruz has criticized his side for conceding “stupid goals,” warning that defensive errors are undermining the team’s positive attacking play.

Chiefs dropped two vital points in a 1-1 draw against Polokwane City in their Betway Premiership clash at Old Peter Mokaba Stadium on Saturday.

The Soweto giants initially took the lead in the first half through Lebohang Maboe, who broke through the defense before flicking the ball past Oscarine Masuluke.

However, Rise and Shine fought back in the 73rd minute when Chiefs captain Brandon Petersen failed to hold the ball at his near post, turning it into his own net.

It was a costly mistake from Petersen, who has now been at fault in four matches this season.

The goalkeeper previously committed errors during Chiefs’ MTN8 quarterfinal defeat to Golden Arrows and again against Mamelodi Sundowns, where he failed to punch a cross before being beaten by Cassius Mailula. In a 2-2 draw with Richards Bay, another error proved costly when Nqaba Zulu intercepted his attempt to play out from the back, tapping the ball into an empty net.

“Yes, I’m very happy that we are scoring goals,” da Cruz said post-match. “But we are conceding stupid goals, and that is something we must address. Still, we are on the right track because we score in every game, so we will continue to attack and develop our model.”

Following the draw, Chiefs slipped to fourth in the standings with 12 points from six matches, while AmaZulu leapfrogged them into third following a victory over Marumo Gallants.

Da Cruz’s frustration was palpable after seeing his side squander a first-half lead.

“It was disappointing because we created good chances in the first half,” da Cruz added. “After that, we lost control. We knew they were dangerous from set-pieces and crosses, but conceding those types of goals is hard to accept.”

Chiefs will look to get back to winning ways when they visit Golden Arrows at Mbombela Stadium on 20 September.