Da Cruz Says Chiefs Reached Champions League Level Against Sundowns
Kaizer Chiefs coach Fernando Da Cruz believes his side produced a CAF Champions League-level performance against African champions Mamelodi Sundowns despite being held to a 1-1 draw at FNB Stadium.
The Betway Premiership encounter on Saturday ended in a stalemate, denying Amakhosi a third consecutive league victory after they began their campaign with wins over Kruger United and Sekhukhune United.
Despite dropping two points, Chiefs remain top of the Betway Premiership standings with seven points from their opening three matches.
Da Cruz was impressed by the quality of the match and compared it to the type of games he experienced during his time in charge of FAR Rabat.
“For me, it was a high-level match,” he said.
“I have had the opportunity to play against Wydad and Raja Casablanca with FAR Rabat, and today’s match was at that same level.
“I don’t know if we will be able to repeat this kind of performance, but today, for us, it was a Champions League match, and we played like a team that was in the Champions League.”
Chiefs took the lead in the second half through Langelihle Phili and appeared set to continue their winning start to the season. However, Sundowns, the reigning African champions, fought back to equalise through Cassius Mailula, ensuring that both sides took a point.
The French coach was also pleased with the mentality shown by his players, particularly given the demanding schedule they have faced.
“They are a really strong team. We did well, and I want to congratulate the players because they put in a big performance,” he added.
“I congratulate them because it was our third match in six days, and they showed an incredible mentality.
“I also had two players, Thabo Moloisane and Pule Mmodi, who had not played much since the beginning of the season, and they also put in a big performance. So, I am very, very happy with the mentality of my team.
“Regarding the match, I think Sundowns had much more possession than us. We would have liked to keep the ball a little more, but it was difficult against a very good team.
“Even so, I think that in the second half, we had two clear chances. I think we were more dangerous despite having less possession than Sundowns. Over the course of the match, we had two or three situations where we could have scored.”
Chiefs will now have a short break from Betway Premiership action before returning to the field next Wednesday, August 26.
Amakhosi will travel to Durban to face Richards Bay in their fourth league match of the campaign, with Da Cruz’s side looking to return to winning ways and maintain their position at the top of the standings.
