Kaizer Chiefs coach Fernando Da Cruz is under increasing pressure over his tactical decisions after repeatedly pairing Reeve Frosler and Sibongiseni Mthethwa in central midfield.
The duo started together in a double pivot during the 1-1 Betway Premiership draw with Stellenbosch, before Da Cruz used the same combination in the 1-0 defeat by Red Arrows in the first leg of the CAF Confederation Cup preliminary round.
Chiefs are limited by injuries to Lebohang Maboe and Siphesihle Ndlovu, but the Frosler-Mthethwa partnership has failed to provide the balance or creativity the side needs.
The Chiefs line-up against Red Arrows was: Bruce Bvuma?
The Glamour Boys have drawn five of their past six Betway Premiership matches and have not beaten Stellenbosch in any of their last four meetings. That run includes three defeats.
After eight matches of the 2026-27 season, Chiefs are eight points behind champions Orlando Pirates.
Maboe’s absence has been particularly significant. The playmaker has scored two goals and provided two assists in the league this season, but Chiefs have looked short of invention without him.
The 32-year-old was injured during the match against Golden Arrows, although the club has not said when he is expected to return. His age may mean he cannot be relied upon indefinitely, but his influence remains clear in a side struggling to create opportunities.
Chiefs must overturn a 1-0 deficit when they host Red Arrows in the second leg of their CAF Confederation Cup first preliminary round tie on Friday, 23 October. Kick-off is scheduled for 18:00.
The match represents an important opportunity for Da Cruz’s team to respond, but it also exposes the wider concerns surrounding the club’s progress.
Since 2014-15, Chiefs have won only one piece of silverware. Their victory over Orlando Pirates in the 2025 Nedbank Cup final offered encouragement, but it has not been enough to satisfy expectations at a club of their stature.
Chiefs are expected to compete seriously for major honours every season. Without consistent title challenges, their work remains incomplete.
The club’s reputation continues to generate substantial attention. Chiefs sell millions of jerseys and attract more online interest than any other club, but their recent record indicates that they are underachieving significantly.
A successful comeback against Red Arrows would provide some immediate relief, while another poor result would intensify scrutiny of Da Cruz’s system and his midfield selections.
