Da Cruz names worrying issue stalling Kaizer Chiefs – ‘We should have 12 points’

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Da Cruz names worrying issue stalling Kaizer Chiefs – ‘We should have 12 points’
Fernando Da Cruz, Image: Kaizer Chiefs

Kaizer Chiefs coach Fernando da Cruz believes his side should be comfortably at the top of the Premier Soccer League (PSL) table if not for one problem.

Chiefs find themselves on eight points from four games, two behind joint leaders Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns, having won their first two games before drawing their last couple of matches.

Kaizer Chiefs playing against Richards Bay.
Kaizer Chiefs playing against Richards Bay. Image: Kaizer Chiefs

In both draws, the Glamour Boys were impressive but allowed in easy goals which saw them drop four points. Defensively, Chiefs have looked vulnerable, failing to watch their markers in the box while losing them on set plays.

Da Cruz rues basic errors at Richards Bay

It is not also helped by the mistakes of goalkeeper Brandon Petersen whose howler allowed Richards Bay to score an easy goal on Wednesday, something that has left Da Cruz disappointed.

“We’re disappointed because our team attacked during all of the 90 minutes and the other team defended for 90 minutes,” Da Cruz said as per SuperSport after his team came from a goal down twice to draw 2-2 with Richards Bay.

Mfundo Vilakazi of Kaizer Chiefs playing against Richards Bay.
Mfundo Vilakazi of Kaizer Chiefs playing against Richards Bay. Image: SuperSport

“But we made two big mistakes and so we got one point today when normally it should be three points. I was disappointed at the nature of the goals that we conceded.”

Da Cruz firmly believes that his team would be ahead of the rest had they cut out the mistakes that have slowed them down in the last two games.

Why Chiefs should be top of the table

“Now we have eight points (from four matches), but we should really have 12 points because against Sundowns we also made a mistake. So we need to learn from our mistakes and to continue to work hard, to look forward,” he added.

Lebohang Maboe of Kaizer Chiefs playing against Richards Bay.
Lebohang Maboe of Kaizer Chiefs playing against Richards Bay. Image: Kaizer Chiefs

“I have two different feelings about the game. I’m very disappointed but also happy about the performance of the team, because the team played well. But we cannot make these types of mistakes at this level,” the French coach further explained, picking the positives from Wednesday’s game.

Chiefs have enough time to work on their areas of weakness as their next match is against Siwelele FC on Saturday, September 5.

<!-- 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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