Kaizer Chiefs: Motaung sets tough targets for Da Cruz – ‘He has to win…’

Kaizer Chiefs Football Manager Bobby Motaung has laid down clear targets for new coach Fernando da Cruz who has had mixed fortunes in his first month in charge.

Chiefs appointed Da Cruz to succeed co-coaches Cedric Kaze and Khalil Ben Youssef and the tactician has been given lofty targets by his bosses who are hoping for a change in fortunes.

The Glamour Boys had an improved season last term, finishing third, but that was not enough to retain Kaze and Ben Youssef as the club wanted CAF Champions League qualification and Da Cruz has been told that only big trophies is what will be deemed acceptable at Naturena.

Motaung tells Da Cruz what he must win

“The new coach obviously knows he has to win the league, he has to win cups, he has to bring the glory days back,” Motaung made it clear to Da Cruz as per FARPost. “He must enjoy his work with the support that we are giving him with the players and everybody.”

Motaung says that Da Cruz will be heavily backed in the transfer window with more new players still on the way after the signings of defender Thabo Moloisane, goalkeeper Renaldo Leaner, midfielder Adolf Mtasingwa as well as forwards Langelihle Phili and Faiz Abrahams.

“In football, you never stop thinking of any new signings,” he added. “In football, you are always looking for the best. If you get the best in the market, you get it, and if you can afford it and there is space for them and the coach needs them, we will always support.”

Mixed fortunes in first month for Kaizer Chiefs

Da Cruz has started his Chiefs reign with two wins, as many draws and a defeat. Chiefs beat Kruger United 3-1 in the season opener before edging out Sekhukhune United 2-0 but have followed it up with back-to-back draws, a 1-1 stalemate with Mamelodi Sundowns and 2-2 against Richards Bay.

In between, there was a 1-0 loss to Golden Arrows in the MTN8 quarter-final, which saw them knocked out of one cup competition, and he now has the Premier Soccer League, CAF Confederation Cup, Nedbank Cup and Carling Knockout to contest this season.