Da Cruz Refuses To Give Up On Chiefs’ Title Ambitions
Kaizer Chiefs coach Fernando Da Cruz remains optimistic about his side’s league title ambitions, insisting there is still enough time for Amakhosi to turn their campaign around this season.
Chiefs missed an opportunity to improve their position in the league standings after suffering defeat against Orlando Pirates in the Soweto Derby this past weekend.
Amakhosi currently sit fifth with 14 points from nine matches, having recorded three wins, five draws and one defeat, which came against their Soweto rivals.
Despite the setback, Da Cruz believes his team can still challenge for the championship, pointing to the number of matches remaining and the importance of having injured players return to the squad.
“Saturday’s match was difficult, but the league campaign is still long. We have played only nine matches, and there are still 21 games remaining,” he said.
“I believe that once we get our injured players back, we will become much more competitive and consistent. Since the beginning of the season, we haven’t been fortunate in terms of injuries.
“We have also drawn several matches that should have ended in victories had it not been for some youthful mistakes. We need to reach a point where we start putting together a positive run of results, and we have to continue with this positive mindset.”
Chiefs have not seriously challenged for the league title since the 2019/20 campaign, when they enjoyed an impressive season under former coach Ernst Middendorp.
During that campaign, Amakhosi were locked in a title race with Mamelodi Sundowns and spent almost the entire season at the top of the standings. However, their championship hopes suffered a heartbreaking blow on the final day when they were held to a draw by Baroka FC, allowing Sundowns to clinch the title.
The Soweto giants are also looking to end an 11-year wait for another league championship, having last lifted the Premiership trophy during the 2014/15 season under Stuart Baxter.
Interestingly, Zitha Kwinika is the only current member of the Chiefs squad who was part of the club during that title-winning campaign. However, the defender did not feature regularly that season as he was still a youngster.
With 21 matches remaining, Da Cruz will be hoping his team can overcome their injury concerns, eliminate costly mistakes and develop the consistency required to remain competitive in the title race.
Amakhosi will now turn their attention to returning to winning ways when they face Chippa United on 28 November. The encounter will be an away fixture for Chiefs, who will be determined to collect maximum points and reignite their league title ambitions.
