Kaizer Chiefs News Today: Da Cruz explains surprise Sundowns tactics, Ndlovu on injury issues & more

Latest Kaizer Chiefs news, including coach Fernando da Cruz breaking down the tactical approach behind the 1-1 draw with Mamelodi Sundowns, Siphesihle Ndlovu revealing the team’s mindset and more.

Da Cruz explains Chiefs’ surprise tactical set-up

Kaizer Chiefs head coach Fernando da Cruz has explained the thinking behind the cautious tactical structure his side adopted in Saturday’s 1-1 Betway Premiership draw against Mamelodi Sundowns at FNB Stadium.

Amakhosi set up with a focus on controlling the spaces in front of and behind their defence, an approach that at times frustrated the reigning African champions but also left room for Chiefs to threaten on the counter.

Da Cruz revealed that injuries forced his hand in terms of the system he chose, given the limited preparation time between matches.

“First of all, we set up the structure because we have injured players, so in two days [of preparation] we needed to find a solution,” Da Cruz said as per iDiski Times.

“If you give too much space to Sundowns, they can kill us, so we needed to control the spaces in front of us, but also behind us – but in this system we prepared our team to be able to attack,” he added.

Da Cruz admitted his side were not at their best on the ball in the opening period but saw encouraging signs after half-time. He was also candid about the gap that still exists between the two clubs, noting that Sundowns have had years to build their squad while his own technical team arrived just a month ago.

Ndlovu: Chiefs had to dig deep against Sundowns

Kaizer Chiefs midfielder Siphesihle Ndlovu has spoken about the level of commitment required from the team in Saturday’s hard-fought draw against Mamelodi Sundowns.

Langelihle Phili gave Amakhosi the lead with his first goal for the club in the second half before Cassius Mailula equalised for the Brazilians to ensure the points were shared.

Ndlovu acknowledged that facing Sundowns demands a different level of intensity, with Chiefs having to work harder off the ball to stay in the contest.

“Obviously, it’s going to be a very tactical game because we know how Sundowns play, we know which spaces they want so we needed to grind a little bit more to match them,” Ndlovu told SuperSport TV as quoted by Kick Off.

“Obviously, the injuries during the week they killed us a bit, but we needed to put in the work today and make sure that we don’t lose at home.”

The experienced midfielder explained that Chiefs’ game plan centred on being disciplined out of possession and clinical on the counter-attack whenever they won the ball.