Kaizer Chiefs: Back three here to stay? Da Cruz responds

Kaizer Chiefs coach Fernando da Cruz has responded to questions over his tactical formation with some critics not happy with a back three.

Da Cruz has played with three central defenders in his team’s last three games, starting with the 1-1 draw against Mamelodi Sundowns, followed by the 2-2 stalemate with Richards Bay before the 3-2 victory over Siwelele FC last Sunday.

Pule Mmodi of Kaizer Chiefs playing against Siwelele FC. Image: Kaizer Chiefs

While he has shifted from the back four that he initially started the season with, Chiefs have been conceding, letting in five goals in their last three games, leading to criticism and calls to revert to a four-man defence.

Da Cruz comments on his formations

However, Da Cruz has persisted with the system, saying it has come in handy in the wake of injuries to left-backs Bradley Cross, Paseka Mako and Nkanyiso Shinga, which have left him with limited options, but he maintains that it should not be interpreted to mean it is the new formation.

Nkanyiso Shinga in training at Kaizer Chiefs. — Nkanyiso Shinga in training, Image: Kaizer Chiefs

“No… for the moment I am happy we’re able to play in two systems, but at the moment, we’re playing this system due to injured players,” Da Cruz said as quoted by iDiski Times.

However, the French coach wants fans and pundits to understand that his team will always be tactically flexible depending on the different dynamics of the game.

“Sometimes [my decision] will depend on the opposition, different choices of profile of players, sometimes it will be a back three, sometimes a back four, it’s just an option. I’m happy the team can play in two systems,” he added.

Kiazer Chiefs coach Fernando da Cruz in training. Image: Kaizer Chiefs

Kaizer Chiefs coach keen on flexibility

“We work to have to hybrid team, so it will sometimes depend on different situations, but we will not play with five defenders all season,” said the former AS FAR Rabat coach.

One man who seems to be benefiting from the back three is winger Pule Mmodi, who has been playing as a left wing-back, and he has been so good to earn praise and trust from his coach.

Pule Mmodi of Kaizer Chiefs in action against Sekhukhune United. Photo: Kaizer Chiefs

“He’s been in the starting XI for the last three consecutive games, it’s a good choice when we play a back-five, he took his chances in the last three games and he played well,” Da Cruz said.

Chiefs are third on the Premier Soccer League table with 11 points from five games and will play away to Polokwane City on Saturday, September 12 hoping for back-to-back wins.