Kaizer Chiefs News Today: Da Cruz on Phili’s debut, comments on Petersen’s blunder & more

Kaizer Chiefs news, as Fernando da Cruz reflects on Langelihle Phili’s first appearance in Amakhosi colours and refuses to single out Brandon Petersen following their MTN8 quarter-final exit.

Da Cruz gives verdict on Phili’s Chiefs debut

Kaizer Chiefs head coach Fernando da Cruz has given his verdict on new signing Langelihle Phili, who made his debut for the Soweto giants in Sunday’s defeat to Golden Arrows.

Amakhosi returned to the MTN8 after a two-year absence but were undone by an early second-half goal from Khulekani Shezi, exiting the competition at the first hurdle as Golden Arrows marched into the semi-finals.

Phili, who joined this week from Stellenbosch FC, was introduced from the bench in the second half to earn his first taste of Chiefs action, though Da Cruz conceded the winger is still finding his feet at Naturena.

“The mindset, the comfort of the player, nothing to say because we missed a lot of chances today. The score is unfortunately is the only one goal changes in the half and after that we tried to come back, but we had a lack of efficiency there,” Da Cruz told SuperSport TV as per KickOff.

On Phili specifically, the Frenchman called for patience. “They are coming into the team step-by-step, Phili needs to work physically again a little bit and to understand also our modern game, but they will come step-by-step,” he said.

Chiefs do not have long to dwell on the setback, with attention turning to Wednesday’s Betway Premiership fixture against Sekhukhune United.

Da Cruz on Petersen’s costly error

Meanwhile, Da Cruz has also moved to protect Brandon Petersen after the Chiefs captain and goalkeeper was at fault for Shezi’s decisive strike, insisting the defeat was a collective failure rather than one man’s mistake.

Petersen was caught out by Shezi’s cross-cum-shot in the 53rd minute, the goal that ultimately sent Amakhosi crashing out of the tournament they had waited three years to return to.

Asked directly about the error, Da Cruz was careful not to single out his skipper. “I will look at the goal because I will watch the game, but I think the player missed his cross and we lose it all the team lose,” he said.

The coach’s stance suggests a thorough team introspection lies ahead rather than a public dressing-down for Petersen, whose leadership Da Cruz has otherwise relied on since taking charge at Naturena.