Da Cruz Addresses Title Race Contenders

Kaizer Chiefs coach Fernando Da Cruz addressed whether his squad was ready to challenge rivals such as Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns for major honours in the upcoming season. The French tactician took over during the off-season, succeeding co-coaches Khalil Ben Youssef and Cedric Kaze, who guided the club in the last campaign.

Da Cruz enjoyed a full pre-season with Amakhosi, including a training camp in Spain where the team played several friendly matches to prepare for the new season. Chiefs rounded off their preparations on a positive note by lifting the Toyota Cup after edging Scotland FC 1-0 at the Royal Bafokeng Stadium this past weekend.

Despite the encouraging result, Da Cruz believed the squad remained a work in progress. He stated that the club was still building a team capable of competing at the highest level, adding that only once the squad was fully assembled would he be in a position to judge whether Chiefs could challenge for silverware.

"For the moment, we’re looking for offensive options," said Da Cruz. "Then once our entire squad is finished, then you can ask us if we’re able to challenge other teams to win the titles in the PSL and also have an advantage in the CAF Confederation Cup."