New Kaizer Chiefs head coach Fernando da Cruz says the club cannot realistically think about challenging for the league title until they strengthen their attacking options.
Speaking after a 1-0 victory over Zimbabwean champions Scottland FC in the Toyota Cup at Royal Bafokeng Stadium in Rustenburg on Sunday, Da Cruz was clear that the current squad is not yet equipped for a sustained title push.
“For the moment, no [they can’t challenge],” Da Cruz said, after Mfundo Vilakazi’s first-half goal sealed the win.
He emphasised that his assessment of Chiefs’ title credentials – and their prospects in continental competition – will only be complete once the club have successfully reinforced their forward line.
“You know that we are searching for offensive options and that’s where we will have our entire squad; then we can assess if we are able to challenge or to see if the team can win the league and have a good run in the CAF Confederation Cup,” he added.
Transfer frustrations and attacking concerns
Chiefs have been working to bring in fresh attacking players during the current transfer window but, so far, attempts to secure priority targets appear to be stalling.
Amakhosi’s main focus is on Stellenbosch winger Langelihle Phili, yet there has been little sign of progress in negotiations to bring him to Naturena.
The situation is complicated by the likely exit of influential winger Glody Lilepo, who is understood to be keen on pursuing a move away from the club. His anticipated departure would further diminish Chiefs’ options in wide attacking areas.
Injuries have added to Da Cruz’s concerns. Key forward Khanyisa Mayo and promising attacker Mduduzi Shabalala are both sidelined, limiting the new coach’s choices in the final third as he prepares for the new campaign.
Tough start to new season
Chiefs will open their 2026/27 league campaign on Saturday night against top-flight newcomers Kruger United at Mbombela Stadium, with kick-off set for 20:15.
Da Cruz will go into that match still uncertain about his final attacking line-up, as the club continues its search for reinforcements and awaits the return of injured players.
Elsewhere on the opening weekend, Orlando Pirates will host Milford at Orlando Stadium on Saturday at 15:30. At the same time, Stellenbosch take on AmaZulu at Danie Craven Stadium, while Golden Arrows face Chippa United at King Zwelithini Stadium.
Later that evening, Mamelodi Sundowns meet Gallants at Loftus Versfeld and Sekhukhune United play Durban at Peter Mokaba Stadium, with both fixtures scheduled for 18:00, before Kruger United’s clash with Chiefs rounds off Saturday’s action.
On Sunday, Richards Bay are at home to Polokwane City at 15:30, and Siwelele host Galaxy at Dr Molemela Stadium at 18:00, completing the first set of league fixtures as Da Cruz and Chiefs confront the early tests of a season in which their ambitions may depend heavily on whether new forwards arrive in time.
