Kaizer Chiefs coach Fernando da Cruz calls for patience after derby loss to Orlando Pirates

Kaizer Chiefs coach Fernando Da Cruz reiterated his stance that great achievements require time, drawing parallels with how two leading global clubs waited a long time for their triumph.

In recent weeks, Da Cruz has been under intense public scrutiny due to the lack of consistency in his team's performance. Currently, the team is experiencing a four-match winless streak, which includes three consecutive draws in the league and a recent defeat in a continental tournament.

The 1-0 loss to 'Red Arrows' in the first match of the group stage play-offs of the Confederation Cup put Chiefs in a difficult position, forcing the team to aim for a turnaround in the second match at Moses Mabhida Stadium on Friday evening.

Despite the growing pressure, Da Cruz remains hopeful of restoring the club's former glory and bringing joy back to the fans, citing examples from English and French giants who endured long periods of stagnation before achieving success.

Da Cruz reminded everyone: 'I will take the example of Arsenal – it took them seven years with Mikel Arteta to win the Premier League title. And Paris Saint-Germain spent 14 years to win the UEFA Champions League after acquiring Qatar Sports Investments (QSI).' He concluded: 'Therefore, when you want to build a project, it takes time. It doesn't happen overnight.'

Not everyone agrees that Da Cruz should be given time to fix the situation, as some fans have already lost patience. Nevertheless, the French tactical mind remains unfazed.

Da Cruz stated: 'Everyone is free to think what they want, but for us, the most important thing is to focus on the project and continue developing the club. Once again, everyone has the right to their opinion – they are free to express it.'

Amid the team's difficulties, there have been reports of a potential decline in Da Cruz's authority in the dressing room. This occurred particularly after a conflict erupted between goalkeeper Renaldo Liner and defender Riv Froesler over the weekend in Ndole, requiring intervention. However, one of the captains, Inacioa Miguel, refused to participate in administrative or managerial discussions.

Miguel emphasized: 'As a player, I am completely focused on the game, on the 90 minutes and daily training. What happens off the pitch is not my concern. Out of respect for the club, I cannot talk about it. My concentration is strictly directed towards the game and what I can contribute to the team.'

The coach of Kaizer Chiefs, Fernando da Cruz, appealed to the fans for unity among players, technical staff, and supporters, as 'Amakhosi' faced the possibility of an early exit from the CAF Confederation Cup.

The team suffered a 1-0 defeat against Zambian club Red Arrows in the first match of the second preliminary round at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium, which requires them to work in the second round.

Since the decisive match is scheduled for next Friday at Moses Mabhida Stadium, da Cruz is counting on fan support to inspire the team to turn things around and maintain their participation in the continental campaign.

Da Cruz stated: 'We need them on Friday for the game to support us because I know the team is capable of changing the result.' The French coach emphasized that during difficult times, everyone associated with the club must move in the same direction, rather than letting pressure divide the team.

He added: 'The most important thing is that in difficult moments we must remain united: players, staff, club, and fans, to get through this period and achieve the best results.'

Chiefs will require a more convincing attacking performance after struggling to create clear goal-scoring opportunities in Zambia. Da Cruz admitted that changes might be necessary if his team wants to overcome Red Arrows and compensate for the deficit.

The coach noted: 'Certainly, we need to change something to create more chances. Usually, we create more chances in the PSL.' He also acknowledged that the first match was unusual due to his team's lack of attacking output, making it important for the technical staff to assess what went wrong before the return match.

'This is the first time we haven't created many chances, so we need to analyze it, and then we need to change something to have a chance to qualify.'

Now Chiefs' task is to put these words into action in front of their home fans. They need to win by at least two goals to guarantee qualification for the main round, while a one-goal victory would send the match into extra time if the aggregate score remains level.

For da Cruz, the message is clear: 'Amakhosi' needs collective response both on the field and in the stands if they want to avoid early continental setbacks.