Kaizer Chiefs legend decries ‘awful’ Da Cruz system – ‘It is a worry’

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Kaizer Chiefs legend decries ‘awful’ Da Cruz system – ‘It is a worry’
Sibongiseni Mthethwa of Kaizer Chiefs playing against Red Arrows. Image: Kaizer Chiefs

Former Kaizer Chiefs defender Tsepo Masilela has expressed his concerns over the manner in which his ex-club is struggling in matches.

Chiefs have won just one of their last seven games and lost their CAF Confederation Cup first leg clash away to Zambian side Red Arrows last Saturday.

The Glamour Boys were beaten 1-0 in Ndola in what was their fourth game without a win on the bounce, adding pressure on coach Fernando da Cruz.

Kaizer Chiefs coach Fernando da Cruz with his players.
Kaizer Chiefs coach Fernando da Cruz with his players. Image: Kaizer Chiefs

Masilela’s worry is the system that Da Cruz has implemented, the French coach having favoured a three-man defence for most of this season, although the results remain poor.

Chiefs legend bemoans poor system

“From what we saw against Stellies [when they drew 1-1] and when you are going to play that system with those same personnel, I don’t think there was going to be a difference,” he said on SoccerBeat.

Bradley Cross of Kaizer Chiefs heads the ball during his team's clash with Red Arrows.
Bradley Cross of Kaizer Chiefs heads the ball during his team’s clash with Red Arrows. Image: Kaizer Chiefs

The former Chiefs left-back feels playing a three-man defence should offer enough protection and help the team keep clean sheets, earning them at least a draw if they cannot win, but is worried that even with how they are setting up, they are still conceding and losing matches.

“I am looking at this system and thinking, there should be a system where you more or less shut the back door. You don’t concede more and you come back with a draw,” he added.

“Maybe when playing away it is a different environment, country and the conditions are not favourable for Kaizer Chiefs. Maybe when you are playing away, you should come back with a 0-0. At least draw.”

Masilela worried by Amakhosi’s displays

Masilela would want to see an adventurous Chiefs which plays without fear as their shortcomings are not being helped by the overly defensive approach currently being implemented.

Kaizer Chiefs coach Fernando Da Cruz in training.
Kaizer Chiefs coach Fernando Da Cruz in training. Image: Kaizer Chiefs

“But again, they have conceded with that same system and more or less same personnel so it is a worry for me that they can’t get the job done in terms of scoring and they are still conceding,” he stated.

Chiefs will host Red Arrows in the second leg in Durban on Friday and it remains to be seen if Da Cruz will shake up things or stay true to his preferred system.

<!-- Author Start -->Joel Oliver<!-- Author End -->

Joel Oliver

Author

Joel Oliver is a sports journalist covering South Africa, with 16 years in sports media and a Bachelor's Degree in Communication. Focused on football analysis and responsible gambling, his work has appeared on GOAL and Pulse Sports Kenya, and he is a regular football analyst on TV and radio.

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