Fernando Da Cruz Gives Honest Assessment Of Kaizer Chiefs After Sundowns Draw

Kaizer Chiefs coach Fernando Da Cruz has provided an honest assessment of his team after the Glamour Boys played to a 1-1 draw against Mamelodi Sundowns in the Betway Premiership. The result at FNB Stadium gave Da Cruz another opportunity to assess his newly assembled squad against one of the most established teams in South African football. Chiefs entered the 2026/27 campaign with major changes to their squad and coaching structure as the club continues its efforts to return to the top of domestic football. Their opening league results have suggested that there are encouraging signs, with two victories and one draw from their first three matches. However, Da Cruz has made it clear that the team still needs time, consistency and further development before it can be compared with a settled side such as Sundowns.

The French coach arrived at Kaizer Chiefs at the beginning of the 2026/27 season with the responsibility of helping the club build a competitive team capable of challenging for major honours. Chiefs have undergone significant changes as part of their efforts to improve their performances and create a stronger squad. The early results have offered some encouragement, particularly in the league, where the team has made a steady start. Their only defeat so far came against Golden Arrows in the MTN8 quarter-finals, while their league campaign has remained unbeaten after three matches. The 1-1 draw with Sundowns was therefore another useful test for a team that is still learning how to operate under Da Cruz’s methods.

The match against Sundowns presented a particularly difficult tactical challenge for Chiefs because of the quality and experience within the defending champions’ squad. Da Cruz explained that injuries forced his technical team to find a suitable structure within a short period of time. He said the team had only two days to prepare for the encounter, making it necessary to adapt to the circumstances rather than rely on a fully established tactical system. The coach also understood the danger of allowing Sundowns too much space, particularly because their players possess the technical ability to exploit gaps quickly. Chiefs therefore had to focus on controlling the spaces both in front of and behind their defensive structure while also trying to create opportunities of their own.

Da Cruz admitted that Chiefs struggled to maintain good possession during the first half, an area that he believes requires improvement as the season progresses. The coach explained that the system was designed to give the team an opportunity to attack, but the players did not execute that aspect effectively enough before the interval. Their performance improved after halftime, suggesting that the team was able to make useful adjustments during the match. That improvement will provide Da Cruz with some encouragement as he continues to assess the squad and determine which tactical combinations work best. At the same time, the match exposed areas where Chiefs must become more efficient if they want to compete consistently against the strongest teams in the league.

One of the biggest points raised by Da Cruz was the difference in experience between the two squads. He stressed that it would not be reasonable to compare Chiefs with Sundowns because the two teams are at very different stages of development. Sundowns have a core of players who have spent six or seven years playing together, allowing them to develop a deep understanding of one another and their team’s tactical requirements. Chiefs, by contrast, have only been together for around a month and a half under the new setup. That difference in continuity can have a major impact on passing combinations, movement, defensive coordination and decision-making during difficult matches.

The comments also underline why patience could be important during Da Cruz’s first season in charge. Chiefs supporters expect the club to compete for trophies, but building a cohesive team from a significantly changed squad cannot happen immediately. Players need time to understand the coach’s tactical approach, develop partnerships and become comfortable with the demands placed on them. The early league results indicate that Chiefs have already established a foundation from which they can develop, but the Sundowns match demonstrated that there remains a considerable gap in terms of cohesion and consistency. Da Cruz appears aware of that challenge and has urged the team to remain calm while continuing to work.

The offensive side of the game is one area that the coach has specifically identified for further attention. Chiefs need to become more effective when they have possession, particularly when facing opponents capable of controlling large periods of a match. Creating chances is only one part of the challenge, as the team must also improve its movement, passing combinations and decision-making in the final third. More work in these areas could help Chiefs turn competitive performances into victories against teams that defend with discipline. Da Cruz’s assessment suggests that he does not view the current squad as a finished product and expects improvements to come through consistent training and match experience.

The 1-1 draw against Sundowns can therefore be viewed as both a positive result and a useful lesson for Kaizer Chiefs. Avoiding defeat against one of the country’s most established teams gives the players confidence, especially during the early stages of a new project. At the same time, the performance showed that Chiefs still have work to do before they can consistently dominate matches against experienced opponents. Da Cruz will now have to use the lessons from the encounter to refine his tactical plans and improve the team’s attacking output. The ability to turn those lessons into measurable progress will be important as the campaign becomes more demanding.

For Chiefs supporters, the most encouraging aspect may be the coach’s willingness to acknowledge the team’s shortcomings rather than overstate its progress. Da Cruz has recognised that the squad is still developing and that the players require more time together before they can reach their full potential. His emphasis on staying calm and working step by step reflects the reality of managing a team undergoing significant change. The early unbeaten league run provides a useful platform, but maintaining that momentum will require improvements in possession, attacking play and overall cohesion. Chiefs will also need to show that they can respond effectively when opponents expose weaknesses in their developing structure.

Fernando Da Cruz’s assessment after the Sundowns draw ultimately provides a realistic picture of where Kaizer Chiefs currently stand. The Glamour Boys have shown enough in the opening weeks of the 2026/27 season to suggest that progress is possible, but their new squad still needs time to develop the understanding required to challenge consistently at the highest level. The draw at FNB Stadium demonstrated that Chiefs can compete with Sundowns, while also highlighting the difference between a newly assembled team and a squad that has played together for several years. Da Cruz now faces the task of improving the team’s attacking quality while maintaining the defensive discipline shown against Sundowns. If Chiefs continue to develop under his guidance and turn early lessons into consistent performances, the club could build a stronger foundation for a serious challenge for honours later in the season.