Da Cruz tastes first loss as Kaizer Chiefs’ coach

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Da Cruz tastes first loss as Kaizer Chiefs’ coach
Kaizer Chiefs coach Fernando Da Cruz during a past training session. Photo: Kaizer Chiefs

South African outfit Kaizer Chiefs fell 2-1 to Spanish outfit Elche in a friendly outing played on Saturday evening.

Amakhosi were keen on getting thir first win in pre-season after sharing spoils in the previous two.

The Glamour Boys drew 1-1 with Scottish heavyweights Rangers in their initial fixture, before, once again, replicating the same result against Al-kholood in their second outing.

It explains why it would have been massive for Fernando Da Cruz-led men to get a positive outing against Elche.

Chiefs fall in Spain

Amakhosi did not start the game as they would have wished, falling behind to Ali Houary’s strike after just 24 minutes.

It got worse for the Soweto giants in the stroke of half-time as 21-year-old Umaru Konare capitalised on poor defending to make it 2-0.

After the break, Amakhosi came back strongly and were rewarded on the hour mark as Asanele Velebayi found the back of the net to make it 2-1. That was his second goal for the winger, who has also managed to get an assist.

What awaits Chiefs

The next friendly game for Amakhosi will be on Sunday, July 26, when they will host Scottland FC in the Toyota Cup fixture that will be staged at Royal Bafokeng Stadium from 15:00 hours.

Coach Fernando Da Cruz is still chasing his first win after taking over a couple of weeks ago. With the club also competing in the CAF Confederation Cup, the tactician knows he has to deliver.

So far, Amakhosi have added Thabo Moloisane and Renaldo Leaner to their squad, with other arrivals expected as well.

Aden McCarthy (Sabah, Azerbaijan), George Matlou, Happy Mashiane, Tashreeq Morris (Durban City) and Gaston Sirino (Durban City) have left.

<!-- Author Start -->Willis Sob<!-- Author End -->

Willis Sob

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Willis Sob is a sports betting expert and journalist covering Nigeria and South Africa, with 16 years of experience. With a background in journalism, reporting and programme production, he specialises in football odds, and his work has appeared on OK Africa and GOAL, as well as TV, radio and podcasts.

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