Fernando Da Cruz is facing mounting pressure at Kaizer Chiefs after a poor opening to the campaign, with the club already 12 points behind leaders Sundowns after only nine matches.
The French coach’s future is likely to come under scrutiny as Chiefs attempt to recover from their disappointing start. The central question is whether Da Cruz is the right manager to develop a promising young squad while delivering better results.
Da Cruz arrived with a reputation for tactical discipline and a strong focus on defensive organisation. Since taking charge, he has consistently favoured a system built around three central defenders, two wing-backs and a midfield pivot.
His preferred 3-4-2-1 formation is intended to give the front three greater freedom and flexibility. However, injuries to regular central midfielders Lebo Maboe and Siphesihle Ndlovu have complicated his plans.
Before joining Kaizer Chiefs, Da Cruz worked alongside the celebrated Argentinian coach Marcelo Bielsa at Lille. He had three spells with the French club, taking on different responsibilities as a scout, caretaker manager and head coach of the B side.
During his time with Lille’s reserve team, Da Cruz helped nurture several players who went on to establish themselves at the highest level, including Idrissa Gueye, Lucas Digne, Victor Osimhen and Eden Hazard.
Despite Chiefs’ results, Da Cruz has shown a willingness to give young players significant opportunities. Mfundo Vilakazi has played 746 minutes, with only the more experienced Brandon Petersen, Inacio Miguel and Lebo Maboe featuring for longer.
Luke Baartman, 20, has made 480 minutes, while 22-year-old Wandile Duba has played 476 minutes and is continuing to earn Da Cruz’s confidence. Mdu Shabalala, also 22, has appeared for 442 minutes.
Langelihle Phiri’s first season with the club, however, has been disrupted by a serious ankle injury. His absence has limited another young player’s chance to contribute, but the minutes given to the others indicate that the squad’s emerging talent is being trusted.
The poor league position leaves Da Cruz with little room for error. With nine matches gone, Chiefs are already 12 points behind Sundowns, raising questions over both the quality of the players available to him and the way he is using them.
The club must now assess whether Da Cruz is failing to get the best from a talented young group or whether the squad is not yet strong enough to challenge near the top of the table. His ability to remain in charge until Christmas could depend on how quickly Kaizer Chiefs can improve.
