“Not Until The End Of The Season”: Da Cruz Defends Chiefs’ Controversial 3-5-2 System
Kaizer Chiefs coach Fernando Da Cruz has praised Pule Mmodi’s adaptation to his new role, saying the winger provides a good alternative when Amakhosi operate with a five-man defensive system.
Mmodi has been deployed as a left wing-back since Chiefs’ match against Mamelodi Sundowns, with Da Cruz opting for a formation built around three centre-backs: Zitha Kwinika, Inacio Miguel and Thabo Moloisane.
The tactical change has seen Mmodi take on a different role from the one he has traditionally played, but the experienced attacker has adapted well and given Chiefs another option on the left flank.
Speaking after Amakhosi’s 3-2 Betway Premiership victory over Siwelele at Dobsonville Stadium on Sunday, Da Cruz explained why Mmodi has fitted comfortably into the system.
“He has been here for three matches,” Da Cruz said.
“He is a good alternative when we play with a back five.
“The advantage we have is that we can play in two different systems, and in the five-man system, he fits in perfectly.”
Da Cruz’s decision to use a five-man system has largely been influenced by injuries in the left-back position.
Youngsters Kabelo Nkgwesa and Reeve Frosler both suffered injuries after Chiefs’ game against Sekhukhune United. The pair had started the opening matches of the season at left-back, when Amakhosi were playing a 4-3-3 formation rather than the 3-5-2 system they are currently using.
Chiefs have also been without other left-back options, with Paseka Mako, Nkanyiso Shinga and Bradley Cross all starting the season on the sidelines due to injuries.
Those absences have forced Da Cruz to find alternative solutions, with Mmodi now being utilised as a left wing-back in a system that allows Chiefs to field three centre-backs.
However, the French coach has made it clear that the five-man system should not be viewed as a permanent tactical approach for the entire season.
Some Chiefs supporters have questioned the decision to play with three centre-backs on social media, but Da Cruz stressed that his team has the flexibility to use different formations depending on several factors.
“We have two systems, and I think it will depend on many things,” he added.
“At the moment, it is influenced by the fact that the left-backs are injured. Sometimes it could also depend on the opponent. Sometimes we can play with five, but with different profiles.
“It will depend on who we are playing against. So it is an option, but it is not an option that can remain until the end of the season.”
Amakhosi moved up to third place in the Betway Premiership standings following their victory over Siwelele and will now look to build on that momentum.
Chiefs will travel to Polokwane on Saturday to face Polokwane City, with Da Cruz’s side aiming to extend their winning run.
Mmodi will also be looking to maintain his impressive performances in his new role and give Da Cruz another reason to trust him as an option in the five-man system.
