Da Cruz Outlines Carling Knockout Goal And January Transfer Strategy
Kaizer Chiefs coach Fernando Da Cruz believes the Carling Knockout Cup presents an important opportunity for Amakhosi to build positive momentum as they prepare for Sunday’s quarter-final clash against Siwelele.
The two sides will meet at Peter Mokaba Stadium, with Chiefs looking to keep their hopes of winning silverware alive following an inconsistent start to their campaign.
Amakhosi have already suffered disappointment in the MTN8 after being eliminated by Golden Arrows in the quarter-finals earlier this season. Their league campaign has also been below expectations, with the Soweto giants currently occupying fifth position, 12 points behind log leaders Mamelodi Sundowns.
With Chiefs eager to improve their league standing and challenge for silverware, the Carling Knockout offers Da Cruz’s side another opportunity to build confidence and create a positive atmosphere within the club.
The French coach emphasised that winning the competition remains the club’s objective, highlighting the importance of lifting trophies and the positive impact success could have on the squad and everyone at Naturena.
“Whenever we compete in a cup competition, our objective is always to win it,” he said.
“It is a trophy, and winning it can help create positive momentum within the squad, the team and the entire club.
“It is always important to win silverware because it can build a positive atmosphere and bring everyone at the club together.”
Meanwhile, Da Cruz also addressed Chiefs’ recruitment strategy ahead of the January transfer window following the recent arrival of Elias Mokwana.
Mokwana has become the sixth player to join Amakhosi this season, following the arrivals of Renaldo Learner, Thabo Moloisane, Langelihle Phili, Adolf Mtasingwa and Faiz Abrahams, who joined on loan from Stellenbosch FC. Abrahams is the only one of the six new arrivals who has not joined the club on a permanent deal.
Da Cruz was asked whether Mokwana’s arrival meant Chiefs had completed their recruitment business for the season. However, the coach indicated that further signings would depend on the opportunities available in the transfer market.
“We will see what happens when the time comes. We still have two months of competition ahead of us, but everything depends on the opportunities that arise,” he added.
“We know there are certain areas of the team where we lack a bit of experience, particularly when it comes to supporting and helping our younger players develop.
“However, our thinking, which is also shared by the club, is that if we sign a player, it must be someone who brings real value to the squad. We are not interested in signing players simply for the sake of making signings.”
Chiefs will now turn their attention to Sunday’s quarter-final, knowing that victory over Siwelele would take them one step closer to another opportunity to compete for silverware this season.
