The club Kaizer Chiefs confirmed its support for head coach Fernando da Cruz and the entire technical team following the disappointing exit from the CAF Confederation Cup.
In a statement released on Saturday, Sporting Director Kaizer Motaung Jr acknowledged the disappointment related to the result but emphasized that this setback would not undermine the club's long-term sporting strategy.
The Chiefs team was eliminated from the tournament by Zambian side Red Arrows after a 3-2 loss in a penalty shootout in the preliminary round of the Confederation Cup, after the aggregate score was 1-1.
Amakhosi secured a 1-0 victory in the second match at Moses Mabhida Stadium thanks to a goal from Bradley Cross, but their failure to advance raised questions about the team's continental ambitions.
Nevertheless, Motaung Jr called on fans to remain objective and reiterated the club's confidence in the coaching staff. He stated: 'As a club, we want to confirm our full support and confidence in the head coach and the entire technical team. They continue to have our trust as they lead the implementation of the football philosophy and development path that we firmly believe will bring sustainable success.'
He added that the professionalism of the team, work ethic, and drive for improvement remain impeccable despite the result and injuries that afflicted the squad.
Chiefs are experiencing a difficult start to the 2026/27 campaign, and the early exit from the continental tournament has been another hurdle on the path to cementing last season's success in the Nedbank Cup.
Motaung Jr stressed that the club will not allow the disappointment of one competition to define its broader direction, asserting that sustained success requires consistency, resilience, and a clear sporting plan.
The Sporting Director also announced that the club will analyze its performances, learn from the experience, and make necessary improvements while remaining committed to its playing identity and long-term goals.
For fans disappointed by the exit from the Confederation Cup, this statement is a clear signal that Chiefs do not plan to immediately change course at the technical level.
Motaung Jr acknowledged their disappointment and thanked them for their continued support, calling for unity rather than division during this difficult period. He concluded: 'Now is the time for unity, not for division. We believe in the work done, we believe in the people leading this work, and we believe that the foundations laid today will bring the success our fans deserve.'
Chiefs are now turning their attention back to domestic competitions, and the technical team is under pressure to translate the club's stated long-term vision into improved on-field performance and results.