Kaizer Chiefs coach comes clean on why Da Silva and Chislett were missing

Kaizer Chiefs head coach Fernando Da Cruz has clarified why key players Flavio Da Silva and Ethan Chislett were left out of the squad for their recent MTN8 quarterfinal match.

The decision came as Amakhosi were unexpectedly knocked out of the tournament, suffering a 1-0 defeat to Golden Arrows at FNB Stadium on Saturday evening.

Da Silva, who was on the scoresheet in the club’s 3-1 league victory against Kruger United the previous week, was a notable omission alongside attacking midfielder Chislett. Their absence was felt as the Glamour Boys exited the “Wafa Wafa” competition at the first hurdle.

Da Cruz on Da Silva, Chislett absence

Speaking to the media after the match, the French coach explained that the move was a precautionary measure to avoid potential injuries amid a congested fixture list.

With three matches scheduled in the next six days, Da Cruz stated that the technical team opted against taking any chances with the two players.

“First thing, Silva got hurt yesterday [Saturday] at the training, so we were left minus one,” Da Cruz said through his translator as quoted by iDiski Times.

“We have three games in six days, so we prefer to be careful with him. The same thing for Chislett also.”

Chiefs coach issues rallying call

Da Cruz also decried his side’s lack of a clinical edge in front of goal after their frustrating loss to Arrows although he is not panicking just yet.

“We missed a lot of chances and they scored from their only chance. We tried to score but we lost because of inefficiency,” said the French coach, who has called on his new players to get to grips with his system quickly.

“They will come in step by step. [Langelihle] Phili needs to work a little bit and understand our game model but it is step by step,” he went on.

Chiefs have little time to feel sorry for themselves as the games come thick and fast with a clash against Sekhukhune United up next on Wednesday.