“We Need to Be Together”: Da Cruz Calls for Unity at Chiefs After Red Arrows Defeat
Kaizer Chiefs coach Fernando Da Cruz has appealed for unity across the club after Amakhosi slipped to a 1-0 defeat against Red Arrows in the first leg of their CAF Confederation Cup preliminary round tie in Zambia.
The loss on Saturday afternoon leaves Chiefs with a mountain to climb in the return fixture if they are to book a place in the group stages. It also came with some drama after the final whistle, when Renaldo Leaner and Reeve Frosler were seen exchanging words before teammates and members of the technical team stepped in to separate them.
A Plea to the Fans
With the pressure rising, Da Cruz used his post-match comments to ask supporters to stay behind the team. He acknowledged that the faithful are unhappy with results at home, where Chiefs have struggled to turn draws into wins. “We know that they (fans) are not happy because in the PSL we don’t lose but we don’t win as well,” he said.
The coach believes the home leg is where the tie can still be turned around, and that Naturena’s loyal following will play a big part in it. “We lost but there is a second leg, and we need them at home to be behind us for us to win and qualify.”
One Club, One Direction
Da Cruz went further, stressing that everyone connected to the club needs to pull in the same direction during a difficult stretch. “What is most important in this type of period is that we need to be together as staff, management, players, fans, and everyone to go through this period because after this period we will have better results.”
Consistency Still Missing
The call for togetherness comes as Chiefs continue to search for consistency under the Portuguese tactician. In his first 10 matches in charge, Da Cruz has recorded three wins, two defeats and five draws, a record that has left supporters wanting more.
The Red Arrows result adds to the heat on Amakhosi, who now have to respond in the return leg to keep their Confederation Cup hopes alive. A strong performance in front of the home crowd, and a united dressing room, will be needed to avoid an early exit from continental competition.
