“We Can’t Compare Us To Sundowns Yet”: Da Cruz
Kaizer Chiefs coach Fernando Da Cruz admits his side still have plenty to improve offensively after their latest Betway Premiership encounter against Mamelodi Sundowns on Saturday.
Amakhosi were looking to make it three wins from three league matches after starting the season with victories over Kruger United and Sekhukhune United, but they were forced to settle for a point against Sundowns.
Chiefs took the lead in the second half through Langelihle Phili, who finished off a move created by midfielder Siphesihle Ndlovu. However, Cassius Mailula found the equaliser to deny Da Cruz’s side a third consecutive league victory.
Despite the draw, Chiefs remain second in the Betway Premiership standings, level on seven points with log leaders Orlando Pirates.
Da Cruz explained that Chiefs had to adopt a particular structure against Sundowns because of injuries and the limited time available to prepare for the match.
“No, no. On Saturday, we had a structure,” he said.
“First of all, we had to use this structure because we had injured players, so we had to find a solution in just two days.
“The second thing is that, as I keep saying, if we give this team space, they will punish us. So we had to control not only the spaces in front of us, but also the spaces behind us.
“At the same time, we had the idea, and even though we didn’t have much time, we prepared the team to play offensively. That is where we were a little less effective in the first half and a little better in the second half.
“And the last thing is that if we want to compare Sundowns and Kaizer Chiefs, we cannot compare them at the moment.
“On one side, you have Sundowns, with players who have been playing together for six or seven years. Here at Kaizer Chiefs, we have only been together for about a month and a half.
“We are making a good start to the season, but we still have a lot of work to do. We need to stay calm because we still have a lot of work ahead of us, especially in the attacking part of our game.”
While Da Cruz was disappointed that Chiefs could not hold on to their lead, he was pleased with the performances of his midfield trio of Sibongiseni Mthethwa, Siphesihle Ndlovu and Lebohang Maboe.
Ndlovu enjoyed an especially impressive outing, providing the assist for Phili’s goal before being named Man of the Match.
“Yes, I wanted them to support our two strikers a little more, but I chose these three midfielders because they have different profiles,” he added.
“Ox [Mthethwa] is more of a ball-winner, and we needed him to protect the central defence. Ndlovu has a little more energy to attack and contribute offensively.
“As for what they showed on Saturday, I am satisfied. I also knew we had Maboe available, but since he had played a lot recently, it was going to be physically difficult for him. But, like the others, he showed a very good mentality.
“Sometimes we want to do certain things, but the opponent prevents us from doing them.”
Amakhosi will now take a break from league action before returning to the field next Wednesday.
Da Cruz’s side will travel to Durban to face Richards Bay, who are still searching for their first victory of the season.
