Kaizer Chiefs coach Fernando da Cruz remains confident his side can overturn a 1-0 deficit against Red Arrows in the second leg of their Caf Confederation Cup second preliminary round tie.
The decisive match takes place at Moses Mabhida Stadium on Friday at 18:00, with Chiefs under increased pressure after their defeat by the Zambian club at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola on Saturday.
The result extended the Soweto club’s winless run to four matches in all competitions and heightened scrutiny on Da Cruz. Red Arrows scored from a corner to secure the first-leg advantage.
“We played the first half with no aggression; we also struggled in duels, but it was better in the second half. We didn’t create a lot of chances, but the second half was better,” Da Cruz said.
“We congratulate Red Stars. We conceded a goal from a set piece, a corner kick. Now our focus has shifted to the second leg at home because we know we are able to win that second leg.”
Da Cruz was also critical of the playing surface in Ndola, arguing that it made it difficult for Chiefs to play in their usual way. However, he accepted that his players had to adjust to the conditions.
“It wasn’t a field for our advantage. It wasn’t a very good field for us to develop our model game, but we must adapt; we must play in every condition,” he said.
The Chiefs manager said pressure was a constant part of the job and insisted the squad and club must respond collectively during a difficult spell.
“We are under pressure every day, and we put pressure on ourselves every day, so it’s not a problem. We just lack efficiency; we must put in more work when we attack, and we will work on that, and it will turn on our side,” Da Cruz said.
He acknowledged the frustration among supporters, who have seen Chiefs fail to win in the PSL as well as suffer Saturday’s defeat, but said their backing would be important in the return fixture.
“I know that they [Chiefs fans] are not happy because in the PSL we don’t lose, but we don’t win as well, and today [Saturday] we lost, but there’s still a second leg. We need them at home to be behind us because we know that our team is able to win this game and qualify for the group stages.”
Da Cruz called for unity across the club as Chiefs seek to reach the competition’s group stages.
“The most important thing in this type of moment is that we must be together as staff, players, management, fans and everyone to go through this period.”
