Kaizer Chiefs News Today: Five-man defense explained, star chasing Golden Boot, CKO goal, & more

Published on by

Kaizer Chiefs News Today: Five-man defense explained, star chasing Golden Boot, CKO goal, & more

The latest Kaizer Chiefs News in the last 24 hours including why Amakhosi have been playing with five defenders, attacker keen on winning Golden Boot, Fernando Da Cruz sets his Carling Knockout target, and more.

Chiefs latest news as they break

Da Cruz defends his five-man defense

Kaizer Chiefs head coach Fernando da Cruz has pushed back against criticism of his use of a five-man defence in some matches this season.

Chiefs have played a back five in several fixtures since the Frenchman’s return to Naturena.

That has drawn questions from supporters and pundits about whether the approach is too cautious for a club that wants to dominate games. Da Cruz says the system is a response to circumstances, not a change of philosophy.

“There’s two things, sometimes related to availability, sometimes related to the opponent, back four, back five doesn’t impact our offensive game model, that’s the most important we want to keep our offensive ideas and principles in our game model,” Da Cruz said.

Kaizer Chiefs head coach Fernando Da Cruz
Photo – Kaizer Chiefs

For Da Cruz, the answer to his critics is that formation is only part of the picture. Whether Chiefs play with four or five at the back, he wants the same attacking ideas on the pitch. The coming fixtures will show whether his players can deliver that, and whether the results will give him the time he needs.

Chiefs youngster chasing Golden Boot

After 6 rounds of the DStv Diski Challenge action, we have a joint lead at the top!

Kaizer Chiefs’ Neo Bohloko and Kwandile Gumede from Golden Arrows are setting the pace with 6 goals apiece, while Simphiwe Mlondo of Mamelodi Sundowns remains hot on their trail with 5 goals.

Da Cruz sets CKO target

Kaizer Chiefs head coach Fernando Da Cruz has made it clear that the club’s immediate objective is to secure a place in the Carling Knockout Cup semi-finals when they face Siwelele FC on Sunday.

Amakhosi will host the encounter at the New Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane, with the venue presenting a different setting from their usual home ground, FNB Stadium.

However, Da Cruz has played down suggestions that the change of venue could work against his side, insisting that their attention is firmly on the task of progressing to the next round.

“Our main target will be to qualify for the next round, for the semi-final. We respect Siwelele a lot. We prepare very seriously for this game. Our only focus is to qualify for the next round,” Da Cruz said in a presser.

Asked whether playing their home match in Polokwane instead of Johannesburg would put Chiefs at a disadvantage, the French tactician was equally clear.

“No, it’s not a disadvantage. We don’t play this game in Jo’burg. We play in Polokwane, but we only must be focused on the field to win this game and to qualify for the next round.”

Fernando Da Cruz
Kaizer Chiefs coach Fernando Da Cruz, Image – Kaizer Chiefs

Da Cruz was also asked what winning the competition would mean to him personally as a coach and the impact it could have on the players and the club.

The Chiefs mentor explained that lifting the trophy would provide an important boost to the team’s momentum and create a positive atmosphere around the club.

“When we start to play a cup in the season, we always want to win the cup. For us, it can help us to start to have a good dynamic for the squad, for the club, for everyone,” he added.

Mako on his return from injury

After suffering an unfortunate shoulder injury during pre-season, Kaizer Chiefs defender Paseka Mako has opened up on regaining his fitness and form, as Amakhosi pursue the Carling Knockout title.

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

Willis Sob

Author

  • Football Odds
  • Sports Journalism
  • Football

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.

You May Also Like