Former Kaizer Chiefs defender Tshepo Masilela has expressed concerns about the team's playing style under head coach Fernando Da Cruz. Despite being unbeaten in the Betway Premiership this season, Masilela believes Da Cruz's setup may not be suited to the club's ambitions. Chiefs have collected 13 points from seven league matches, with three wins and four draws, but have struggled to turn promising performances into victories.
Masilela pointed to the tactical use of players like Pule Mmodi, who is often deployed as a wingback, and highlighted the defensive mistakes that have cost Chiefs points. He noted that while the team has scored 12 goals in seven matches, they have also conceded seven, with costly defensive errors becoming a recurring issue. Masilela's comments were made on the Soccerbeat podcast, where he questioned whether Da Cruz's philosophy is aligned with the club's culture.
Masilela also raised questions about whether Chiefs fully understood Da Cruz's football philosophy before appointing him. He drew a comparison with Manchester United's appointment of Ruben Amorim, who remained committed to his preferred system despite calls for a tactical change. Masilela suggested that Chiefs may have faced a similar situation, with Da Cruz showing a willingness to stick with his principles despite the team's inconsistent results.
Da Cruz's team has been unable to turn draws into wins, with four stalemates from seven league matches. While the team's unbeaten record suggests there are positives to build on, Masilela believes the issue may be less about whether Da Cruz is an attacking or defensive coach and more about whether his philosophy ultimately fits what Chiefs want to become. The former Bafana Bafana international emphasized the importance of aligning the team's playing style with the club's culture and ambitions.
Chiefs' recent performances have highlighted the fine margins separating the team from consistently collecting three points. Masilela's comments have sparked debate about Da Cruz's approach, with some questioning whether the team's playing style is suited to the demands of the Betway Premiership. The team's coach has already shown a willingness to stick with his principles, and the team's unbeaten record suggests there are positives to build on.
The discussion around Chiefs' playing style comes amid a busy period for the team, with several key players dealing with injuries. Lebohang Maboe, a midfielder, recently withdrew from the Bafana Bafana squad due to an ankle injury, and his status is being assessed by medical staff. The team's ability to adapt to challenges and setbacks will be crucial in determining their success this season.
As Chiefs look to build on their unbeaten start to the season, Masilela's comments have added fuel to the debate about Da Cruz's philosophy and its suitability for the team. While the team's results have been positive, the concerns raised by Masilela highlight the importance of aligning the team's playing style with its ambitions and culture. The coming weeks will be crucial in determining whether Chiefs can maintain their momentum and achieve their goals.
Key points
- Tshepo Masilela questions Kaizer Chiefs' philosophy under Fernando Da Cruz.
- Masilela draws comparison with Manchester United's appointment of Ruben Amorim.
- Chiefs have collected 13 points from seven league matches, with three wins and four draws.
