Da Cruz leads Chiefs war cry: We need to keep our mind very cold

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Fernando da Cruz will face a big test against Mamelodi Sundowns on Saturday with Kaizer Chiefs winless in the 10 league meetings of this fixture.

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Da Cruz leads Chiefs war cry: We need to keep our mind very cold

Aug 13, 2026 – 07:12 pm
By Lovemore Moyo

Kaizer Chiefs coach Fernando da Cruz has explained why he believes preparing for Mamelodi Sundowns will be easier.

Da Cruz has an early test against the African champions at FNB Stadium on Saturday (15:00).

This will be the third league match of the season for Chiefs, who have won their opening two and enjoy a place at the top of the standings.

As Da Cruz enters this fixture, he will do so having noted that the Soweto giants are without a win in the last 10 league fixtures against Sundowns.

Amakhosi’s last victory against their next opponents was in an empty stadium five years ago, which demonstrates just how difficult this encounter has been for them.

“For me, it is easier to prepare for these types of games because the motivation is natural for players,” says Da Cruz.

“But I don’t want the players to play this game before the game happens at 3pm (on Saturday).

“We need to keep our mind very cold and just be focused on our performance,” he says, noting the preparation time.

“We don’t have a lot of time but need to be focused on Mamelodi Sundowns now.

“We have analysed them, but we know that it will be a tough game, and from our squad and our technical staff, it will be for us to push our level to be the same and make it a Champions League game.

“…the difference between us and Sundowns is that they have played together for a long time.

“Also, their coach (Miguel Cardoso) has been there longer, while I just arrived a month-and-a-half ago but have put my game model on the field and players understand it well. But we need time as well.

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“Since the beginning of pre-season, I have been happy with our possession during the game, and we have had more of the ball than the opponent.