Ex-Chiefs coach names what Da Cruz got right - ‘It was like Jabu Pule was playing’

Former Kaizer Chiefs coach Farouk Khan has showered praise on the team following their impressive season-opening match against Kruger United.

Chiefs started the season with a 3-1 win although it was not straightforward as they conceded an equaliser in first half stoppage time after scoring just seven minutes in through Flavio da Silva.

However, Chiefs, who had been impressive in most of the opening 45 minutes, upped the ante upon resumption when substitute Wandile Duba scored twice in a space of 10 minutes, in the 56^th and 66^th minutes, to take the game beyond the newly-promoted side.

Mfundo Vilakazi playing for Kaizer Chiefs vs Kruger United. Image: Kaizer Chiefs

It was the start that new coach Fernand da Cruz was hoping for with the Glamour Boys moving top of the Premier Soccer League table after their win and Khan was impressed so much that he likened it to the great Chiefs of old.

What impressed Khan the most?

“It is important for the momentum of the team and I think it is a good thing starting off with this 3-1 win and saying that, I think when you look at Chiefs, they started like a house on fire,” Khan said on SoccerBeat.

Kaizer Chiefs' Reeve Frosler celebrates. — Kaizer Chiefs’ Reeve Frosler celebrates. Photo: Kaizer Chiefs

“They looked like vintage Chiefs. The first 15, 20 minutes were fantastic. It brought back memories when we were at Chiefs with the likes of players like Jabu Pule and the rest.

“It was exciting football, attacking football. However, the consistency wasn’t there in the entire first half. Again, there were some good patterns I must say, good movements between the lines they were sharing the ball better.”

Ex-Chiefs coach’s cautious optimism

However, Khan is cautiously optimistic as he feels Chiefs won against an inferior team that he predicts will struggle to stay in the PSL.

Wandile Duba playing for Kaizer Chiefs against Kruger United. Image: Kaizer Chiefs

“But in saying that, they were playing against a Kruger and to be quite frank, Kruger have a lot to do. For me, Kruger are basically your Orbit of last season. They are going to be fighting for survival,” he added.

Chiefs have two matches up next which will test their title credentials as they face Sekhukhune United, managed by ex-co-coach Cedric Kaze, on August 12 before hosting Mamelodi Sundowns three days later.