Fernando Da Cruz remains under pressure despite Kaizer Chiefs’ victory over Siwelele this past weekend.
However, the FIFA international break gives the French coach valuable time to reset, assess his squad and welcome back players who have been sidelined through injury.
Khanyisa Mayo and Langelihle Phili are expected to feature for Amakhosi in the coming weeks after recovering from their respective injuries. Their return will give Da Cruz more attacking options as he looks to get Chiefs’ league campaign back on track.
In the Carling Knockout Cup, Chiefs have looked impressive and secured a place in the semi-finals, where they will face Mamelodi Sundowns.
Da Cruz backed by Chiefs management
Despite the Soweto Derby defeat to Orlando Pirates, Da Cruz continues to enjoy the backing of the Chiefs management.
A potential defeat in the Carling Knockout Cup semi-final against Mamelodi Sundowns is not expected to affect his position, with the club understood to remain confident in his work.
With December fast approaching, Chiefs will also be looking to strengthen their squad during the upcoming transfer window, potentially giving the current coach further resources to improve the team.
The 1-1 draw against Sundowns earlier this season, coupled with a promising first-half performance against Pirates in the Soweto Derby, has offered glimpses of what Da Cruz is trying to build at Naturena.
Since taking charge, Chiefs have lost just two matches. Even in those defeats, Amakhosi showed periods of encouraging football, suggesting that there are positives for the Frenchman to build on.
The coming weeks could therefore prove important for Da Cruz as he looks to turn those promising Chiefs performances into consistent results.