‘You Are Taking A Chance On Him’ — Baloyi Slams Da Cruz’s Appointment
Kaizer Chiefs legend Brian Baloyi has publicly questioned the appointment of new coach Fernando Da Cruz, warning that the French tactician lacks the heavyweight local experience required to handle the immense pressure at Naturena.
Da Cruz was recently appointed as Amakhosi’s new coach, replacing former co-coaches Khalil Ben Youssef and Cedric Kaze. Ben Youssef has since been unveiled as Durban City’s head coach ahead of the new season.
The French-born tactician previously spent time with Chiefs during a pre-season camp two years ago before joining the Moroccan Football Federation as Technical Director.
His coaching résumé also includes a spell with French side Lille and guiding AS FAR to the Moroccan Botola Pro League title.
Despite Da Cruz’s credentials, Baloyi believes only time will tell whether he is the right man to restore Chiefs to their former glory.
“I am not going to beat around the bush about it,” Baloyi said.
“Yes, I’m happy that we have a new coach. But do I think he is the right man for the job? Only time will tell.
“I’ve said this before, and this is my humble opinion: considering the situation Kaizer Chiefs are in right now, the only way to come out of it is by having a coach with broad shoulders. You need someone who understands the kind of pressure that comes with coaching Kaizer Chiefs. You need someone who has walked that path. With Da Cruz, you are taking a chance.”
Baloyi also argued that the current Chiefs squad lacks the experience needed to consistently compete for major honours.
“When you understand the pressure at Chiefs – not only of playing there but also coaching there – you realise that the current group of players lacks experience,” he said.
“The club is one of the biggest in the country, and having experience on the bench gives the team confidence and helps instil that belief in the players. When you lack experience both on and off the pitch, it becomes a problem.
“To get to the level of Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates, you need experience on the bench and on the field. Do we have that? We can debate whether we have good players, but that’s not the issue.”
Baloyi believes the measure of an experienced team lies in how many players have won major trophies.
“It’s simple for me. Out of the 15 players who are going to take the field next season, if fewer than five have won league titles or domestic cups before, then that’s an inexperienced team.
“You need at least 10 players who have won at that level. We can argue about it, but look at Pirates – it took them three or four years to reach where they are now because they built with the right players. On the other hand, Sundowns have consistently signed the best players over the years.”
