Former Kaizer Chiefs defender Tsepo Masilela has expressed concerns about the team's current coach, Fernando Da Cruz. Masilela questions whether the club conducted sufficient due diligence before appointing Da Cruz. Da Cruz was appointed at the beginning of the 2026/27 Betway Premiership season, replacing Cedric Kaze and Khalil Ben Youssef as co-coaches. The duo led Chiefs to a top-three finish and qualification for the CAF Confederation Cup.
Under Da Cruz, Chiefs have had a solid start to the season, remaining unbeaten with 13 points from seven matches. They have registered three wins and four draws, scoring 12 goals and conceding seven. Despite this, Masilela is unhappy with Da Cruz's decision to use offensive-minded players like Pule Mmodi in deeper roles. Masilela believes this approach may lead to mistakes at the back and dropped points.
Masilela's concerns about Da Cruz's tactics are rooted in his analysis of the team's setup. He believes that Chiefs' current formation does not prioritize defense, which could lead to problems. Masilela notes that while the team is scoring goals, they are also conceding, which may hinder their progress. He expressed these views in an interview with the Soccerbeat podcast.
Masilela draws a comparison between Da Cruz and Ruben Amorim, the former Manchester United coach. Amorim faced criticism for his defensive system and was eventually sacked in January. Masilela suggests that Da Cruz's stubbornness in sticking to his system may lead to a similar fate. He believes that Da Cruz's refusal to adapt may cost him his job at Chiefs.
Masilela also questions whether the club conducted thorough research on Da Cruz's coaching style before appointing him. He notes that Da Cruz's previous teams, such as Pyramids FC and Yanga SC, may not have been comparable to Chiefs in terms of style and culture. This lack of understanding may lead to problems, according to Masilela.
The appointment of Da Cruz was a significant decision for Chiefs, given the success of the previous co-coaches. Kaze and Ben Youssef led the team to a top-three finish and continental qualification, but were not retained. Their departure and Da Cruz's appointment have had a significant impact on the team's dynamics and performance.
Masilela's comments highlight the challenges faced by Chiefs in finding the right coach and tactics. The team's performance under Da Cruz has been solid, but Masilela's concerns about the team's defensive setup and the coach's adaptability may prove significant. The coming weeks and months will be crucial in determining the success of Da Cruz's tenure at Chiefs.
Key points
- Masilela questions Da Cruz's tactics and compares him to Amorim.
- Chiefs have had a solid start to the season under Da Cruz.
- Masilela concerns about Da Cruz's adaptability and team's defensive setup.
