Kaizer Chiefs have reaffirmed their support for head coach Fernando Da Cruz after the club’s early exit from the CAF Confederation Cup.
Sporting director Kaizer Motaung Jr. said Da Cruz and his technical team continued to have the club’s confidence, despite Amakhosi’s latest cup disappointment increasing pressure on the Frenchman.
Chiefs were eliminated from the competition on Friday evening, with the result prompting questions about the 57-year-old coach’s position. Motaung, however, made clear that there had been no withdrawal of support from the club.
The sporting director said Da Cruz remained trusted to lead the implementation of Kaizer Chiefs’ football philosophy and development pathway, which the club believes can deliver sustainable success in the long term.
“As a Club, we would like to reaffirm our full support for, and confidence in, the Head Coach and the entire technical team,” Motaung said in a statement.
“They continue to have our trust as they lead the implementation of a football philosophy and development pathway that we firmly believe will bring sustainable success.
“Their professionalism, work ethic, and commitment to improving the team every day remain irreproachable.
“The team is fighting hard every game to uphold a high standard of performance, and yesterday, despite the result and the injuries we carry, that warrior spirit was visible on the field.”
Da Cruz faces mounting scrutiny
Motaung appointed Da Cruz in June after Kaizer Chiefs parted company with Khalil Ben Youssef and Cedric Kaze.
The coach has since overseen the club’s elimination from both the MTN8 and the CAF Confederation Cup. Chiefs failed to progress beyond the early stages of either competition, leaving Da Cruz under increasing scrutiny.
The latest setback is particularly significant given the expectations attached to the Soweto club. Their cup campaigns have fallen short of those expectations, although Chiefs’ league position offers a more positive indication of their current season.
Amakhosi are fourth in the Betway Premiership after eight matches.
Motaung’s public statement means Da Cruz will remain in charge with the club’s backing, but the coach will now be expected to produce improved results and help Chiefs recover their season.
The sporting director’s comments also underline the club’s continued commitment to its longer-term plans, despite the disappointment of another early cup exit.
