Kaizer Chiefs fans warned against writing off Da Cruz – ‘They’ve had a stable start’

Kaizer Chiefs coach Fernando da Cruz has been backed to bring success at Naturena amid growing doubts over his suitability for the role.

Da Cruz has experienced mixed fortunes since his appointment as Chiefs’ head coach, exiting the MTN8 at the quarter-final stage while his team are currently fourth on the Premier Soccer League table with 13 points from seven games, seven behind leaders Mamelodi Sundowns, who have played eight games, and six behind Orlando Pirates.

That is following a run of three wins and four draws in the league while his team’s inability to keep clean sheets is also being cited as a weakness in his coaching.

However, former Chiefs captain Neil Tovey feels it is unfair to judge the French coach this early in the season and believes he can still challenge both Sundowns and Pirates for the title if given time.

Chiefs advised to turn draws into wins

“I think they need to start being consistent when it comes to the league,” Tovey told FARPost.

“You have got to put some league form together. The league form hasn’t been that bad; it’s just those four draws.

“Out of four draws, you convert two of them into wins, and you already have another four points. So, you have to convert those draws into wins, and that’s really important,” he added.

Contrary to what some observers and fans have said, Tovey feels Chiefs have had a good start to the season and there is no need to panic over their league form.

Tovey: Amakhosi have had ‘decent start’

“But they have had a stable start. I won’t say it’s bad. They just have to consolidate [unbeaten run] after this international break because it’s always important how your players come back,” he weighed in.

“It’s important after this break how they start the league program again. It’s important that they start well because the break is longer.

“Pirates and Sundowns are concentrating on the [Nedbank] Cup final, so they [Chiefs] need to pick up their form now so that they can get their league results together and start playing a bit of catch-up.

Has Da Cruz been judged too early?

“You haven’t lost a game, but I’d rather have one loss and three wins than four draws,” added Tovey.

The former Chiefs star has issued a plea to the ever-demanding Chiefs fans to be patient with Da Cruz as he gets to grips with things at Naturena.

“Give him [Da Cruz] a little bit more time,” he urged. “It’s only the start of the season, so a little bit of patience and let them see the next couple of games. Give him a little bit of time; it’s only seven games into the season. So give him a chance.”