‘We Have A Curse’ — Da Cruz Opens Up On Chiefs’ Devastating Left-Back Crisis
Kaizer Chiefs coach Fernando Da Cruz has explained the left-back injury crisis that forced him to make major tactical changes for Saturday’s Betway Premiership clash against Mamelodi Sundowns at FNB Stadium.
Amakhosi went into the match without any of their recognised left-backs. Paseka Mako, Nkanyiso Shinga, Bradley Cross and youngster Kabelo Nkgwesa are all currently injured, leaving Da Cruz with limited options in the position.
Nkgwesa, who was recently promoted from the reserve side, made his first-team debut against Sekhukhune United in midweek. The youngster came on as a substitute for Reeve Frosler during the match but picked up an injury and was unavailable for the encounter against Sundowns.
Frosler had already been filling in at left-back despite being a natural right-back. The experienced defender started the season in the unfamiliar position because of injuries to Chiefs’ other left-backs.
However, Frosler was also ruled out after suffering an injury between the Sekhukhune match and Saturday’s fixture. His absence left Da Cruz with another difficult decision ahead of the meeting with Sundowns.
The French coach responded by changing his defensive structure. Chiefs started with three centre-backs, while winger Pule Mmodi was deployed as a left wing-back.
The tactical decision attracted criticism from some Chiefs supporters before the match, but Da Cruz had to find a solution with several defensive players unavailable.
Da Cruz admitted that the club has been hit by a difficult run of injuries among its full-backs.
“They [left-backs] are all injured,” he said.
“Unfortunately, we have a bit of a curse when it comes to the full-backs.
“Between the match against Sekhukhune and Saturday, we lost Reeve and Kabelo through injury.”
Despite the difficult circumstances, Chiefs showed good discipline against Sundowns and managed to secure a point from the encounter. Da Cruz was particularly pleased with the mentality of his players, especially considering it was their third match in six days.
“First of all, the mentality was remarkable, as I said, because it was our third match in six days and there was fatigue, but they gave everything,” he added.
“Secondly, I had asked for tactical discipline because I knew that this team likes to have possession and that they were going to make us run.
“Despite that, we had to remain organised and wait for the right moments to try to win the ball back and launch counter-attacks.
“They are a team that, when you give them space, they will punish you.”
Despite their injury problems at the back, Chiefs have made a strong start to their league campaign, collecting seven points from their opening three matches. They are joint-top of the standings with Orlando Pirates, who defeated Chippa United on Sunday.
Da Cruz’s side will return to action when they travel to Durban to face Richards Bay in another Betway Premiership encounter on August 26.
The match will provide another test for Chiefs, particularly with the club still waiting for several injured full-backs to return and give Da Cruz more options in his defensive setup.
