‘Three Games In Six Days’: Da Cruz Slams PSL Schedule Before Sundowns Showdown
Kaizer Chiefs coach Fernando Da Cruz has raised concerns over his side’s demanding schedule ahead of Saturday’s Betway Premiership clash against Mamelodi Sundowns, despite Wednesday’s victory over Sekhukhune United.
The French coach was speaking after Amakhosi secured a 2–0 victory over Sekhukhune at FNB Stadium on Wednesday, a result that moved them back to the top of the Betway Premiership standings with six points from their opening two matches.
Chiefs have made a perfect start to the new league campaign, winning both of their opening fixtures and remaining unbeaten. However, there will be little time for the players to recover from Wednesday’s victory, with African champions Sundowns arriving at FNB Stadium on Saturday for Chiefs’ third league match of the season.
Da Cruz admitted he was disappointed with the schedule, particularly because Chiefs are required to play three matches in six days, while other teams will play three matches across seven days.
“I’m a little disappointed because, firstly, the game comes so soon, and secondly, it comes at a time when we are going to play three matches in six days, whereas all the other teams in the PSL will play three matches in seven days,” he said.
“So, I’m a little disappointed because we have one less day of recovery before facing a very good team that won the Champions League. I’m disappointed for that reason, because this match is coming on Saturday. But we have to play it, and we will play it.
“We know that, for now, they are the best team in Africa because they won the Champions League last season. But we will try to raise our level to the Champions League level.
“This match will give us very good information about what we are capable of doing.”
While Chiefs are coming into the fixture with maximum points from their opening two matches, Sundowns have played just one league game so far this season. Masandawana recorded a victory over TS Galaxy on Tuesday in what was supposed to be their second league match.
Their opening fixture against Marumo Gallants was postponed two weeks ago, meaning Sundowns head into Saturday’s encounter with only one league match under their belt.
Despite his concerns about the schedule, Da Cruz was pleased with what he saw from his players in their victory over Sekhukhune, particularly the way they adapted after a cautious first half.
The Chiefs coach felt both sides were reluctant to take risks early in the match, with each waiting for the other to make a move.
“We had two teams that didn’t really want to commit themselves. It was more of a game where each team was waiting to see the other team’s position,” he added.
“In the first half, for me, it was a tactical game. The two teams didn’t want to give space to the other team.
“Then, in the second half, I asked them to play a little more forward because we had spaces. In the first half, we didn’t dare to do that.
“That’s what we did in the second half, and we had success. So, I’m very happy with the group’s victory because we also had to change some players since we are playing three matches in six days. But I’m happy because I think we deserved to win.”
With both sides eager to claim maximum points, Chiefs will be looking to maintain their unbeaten start to the campaign when they welcome Sundowns to FNB Stadium.
The two teams played to draws in both of their league meetings last season, with neither side able to gain the upper hand at FNB Stadium or Loftus Versfeld.
