Kaizer Chiefs coach Fernando Da Cruz praised his players after Amakhosi opened their 2026/27 Betway Premiership campaign with an impressive 3-1 victory over newcomers Kruger United in Nelspruit on Saturday evening.
The 54-year-old Frenchman, taking charge of his first league match since arriving at Naturena, watched his side dominate large spells of the encounter before second-half substitute Wandile Duba scored twice to seal all three points after Flavio Da Silva had given Kaizer Chiefs an early lead.
‘We controlled the game’
Reflecting on the performance, Da Cruz said he was pleased with both the result and the manner in which his side approached the match.
“Firstly, I’d like to congratulate the players for getting the three points. We controlled the game for the first 30 minutes, but in the 15 minutes before half-time we were a bit rushed and conceded a goal from the opposition’s only offensive action,” he said.
Kaizer Chiefs went into the interval level after Kruger United’s Khetukuthula Ndlovu found the net on the stroke of half-time.
Half-time adjustment proved decisive
Da Cruz revealed that containing Kruger United’s playmaker became the team’s main focus during the break.
“Their goal came from their only attack of the first half and was a bit lucky,” he explained.
“Their number 10 gave us problems getting in behind our midfield line, so the main thing at half-time was to take measures to nullify his threat by blocking the passing lanes to him, and we did better at keeping him quiet in the second half.”
The tactical adjustment paid immediate dividends as Chiefs regained control after the restart and created a succession of chances before Duba struck twice to secure a comfortable victory.
Building the Kaizer Chiefs identity
Da Cruz also highlighted the progress his squad is making in adapting to his preferred style of play, with Kaizer Chiefs displaying a more direct and attacking approach that delighted the more than 50 000 supporters inside Mbombela Stadium.
“We started the second half with the same intensity and control of the tempo that we had at the beginning of the match. I am very happy with the performance although we need to keep working hard,” he said.
“We are in the process of implementing our game model, which the players enjoy and are working hard at understanding the way we want to play.
“We have only played two games, which have gone well, yet we have a long season ahead and will always continue to work hard at improving.”
The victory ensured Da Cruz’s tenure as Kaizer Chiefs coach got off to the ideal start, with Amakhosi looking to build momentum after also lifting the Toyota Cup during pre-season.
Amakhosi fans will no doubt be full of confidence at this early stage of the season.
Top of the standings
The three points saw Kaizer Chiefs move to the top of the standings, ahead of Orlando Pirates, Polokwane City, AmaZulu and Sekhukhune United of goal difference.
Kaizer Chiefs will next be in action in a MTN8 quarter-final against Golden Arrows at FNB Stadium on Sunday, 9 August at 18:00.
The Glamour Boys’ next league assignment will be against Sekhukhune United, also at FNB Stadium, on Wednesday, 12 August at 19:30.