Kaizer Chiefs head coach Fernando Da Cruz is facing mounting pressure following his side’s 2-1 Soweto Derby defeat to Orlando Pirates this past weekend.
The Buccaneers claimed bragging rights at FNB Stadium, leaving Amakhosi with more questions to answer as their struggles continue.
Although Da Cruz has received backing from sporting director Kaizer Motaung Jr, the Frenchman needs to deliver results in the coming matches to ease the growing pressure.
His next assignment is a Carling Knockout Cup clash against Siwelele FC, a match that could have significant consequences for his future at Naturena.
Why Da Cruz could be coaching his last game for Chiefs
With Chiefs already eliminated from the CAF Confederation Cup and having suffered an early exit from the MTN8, the Carling Knockout Cup represents one of their remaining opportunities to secure silverware this season.
Amakhosi will be desperate to at least reach the final, if not go all the way and lift the trophy.
A defeat against Siwelele could prove costly for Da Cruz, particularly with Chiefs already 12 points behind Betway Premiership leaders.
Their league ambitions have taken a major knock, and another setback would only increase frustration among supporters and within the club.
The Chiefs hierarchy could consider making a coaching change should the team suffer another cup disappointment on Friday.
Amakhosi have also benefited from being seeded in the Carling Knockout draw, meaning they have avoided some of the competition’s biggest teams in the early rounds.
An early exit at this stage would therefore raise further questions about Chiefs’ progress under Da Cruz.
Should another title contender also fall in the quarter-finals, Chiefs could face an important decision about their technical bench before the upcoming FIFA international break.
For Da Cruz, the Siwelele encounter could be about much more than simply securing a place in the semi-finals.