Former Kaizer Chiefs winger Junior Khanye believes head coach Fernando Da Cruz could be dismissed by January after Amakhosi extended their run of disappointing results with a 1-1 draw against Stellenbosch FC.
Chiefs were held at FNB Stadium on Tuesday evening, recording their third consecutive draw and increasing pressure on the Frenchman.
Speaking on iDiski TV, Khanye criticised Da Cruz’s team selection and tactical decisions, arguing that the coach must improve his ability to assess matches and respond to events on the pitch.
“Kaizer Chiefs coach must take the blame for tonight’s draw. He must change the way he approaches games and his reading of the match. He needs to improve,” Khanye said.
“He played three consecutive draws, and how he approaches games will be his downfall. By now, he should have his main starting eleven. His team needs to have balance in defence and attack.”
Khanye also suggested that Chiefs supporters are losing patience, particularly as the club continues to struggle to convert draws into victories.
The former winger questioned whether Da Cruz could succeed at Naturena after previously serving as an assistant to former Chiefs coach Nasreddine Nabi, working alongside Cedric Kaze and Khalil Ben Youssef.
“Personally, I think Nasreddine Nabi, Cedric Kaze, Khalil Ben Youssef and Da Cruz are the same because this coach was Nabi’s assistant. He is under pressure now, and I don’t think supporters will allow another draw,” he said.
Khanye believes Da Cruz’s position will become increasingly vulnerable if Chiefs cannot improve their performances and results. He identified January as the likely point at which the coach’s tenure could end, with difficult fixtures against title contenders Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns potentially exposing weaknesses in the team.
“I don’t think he’ll survive this season. I give him until January. The likes of Orlando Pirates and Sundowns will expose him,” Khanye said.
Chiefs will need greater consistency to relieve the pressure on Da Cruz and remain competitive in the Betway Premiership. Khanye also believes the coach may need a strong cup run in the coming months to buy himself more time as the league campaign begins to slip away.
Da Cruz was absent from his post-match interview after the draw with Stellenbosch FC because he had fallen ill.
His assistant, Dillon Sheppard, said the Chiefs manager was receiving medical attention after becoming sick.
“Coach has fallen ill. He was vomiting, so he is with the doctors, checking on him,” Sheppard said.
