Da Cruz blasts Chiefs squad over ‘killer’ instincts

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Soccer Laduma (@soccer_laduma)

Rugby

Podcasts & Videos

The Club House

Win
–>

Kaizer Chiefs players ahead of their match against Dobsonville Stadium. Photo: Lefty Shivambu/Gallo Images

Home

Psl

Kaizer Chiefs

Da Cruz blasts Chiefs squad over ‘killer’ instincts

Sep 7, 2026 – 08:30 pm
By Siya Ndlela

Kaizer Chiefs head coach Fernando Da Cruz has blasted the Amakhosi squad over a lack of ‘killer’ instincts despite his side securing a hard-fought 3-2 victory over Siwelele FC at Dobsonville Stadium.

Amakhosi looked to be cruising to a comfortable win following goals from Mfundo Vilakazi and Wandile Duba, alongside an own goal from Samukelo Xulu.

However, the Soweto giants survived a massive late scare as a resilient Siwelele fought back via Aphiwe Baliti and a stoppage-time strike, nearly salvaging an unlikely draw in the dying minutes of the encounter.

Despite commanding large portions of the match and being structurally dominant, the Glamour Boys were heavily faulted for their wasteful finishing in front of goal.

At the opposite end, Da Cruz’s charges turned clumsy at the back, giving away soft chances due to poor defensive organisation and erratic decision-making.

Speaking to reporters after the match, a visibly frustrated French tactician blasted his players, lamenting that they were “not enough killer in the two boxes” and explicitly highlighting a severe lack of leadership, character, and personality within the defensive line.

“In the first half we were very good in possession. We created a lot of chances, but we were not strong enough inside the box, and normally we need to come back to the dressing room with two or three goals more than the opponent,” Da Cruz said.

“Then we scored our second goal, but directly after Siwelele scored their first goal, we were worried, and on the defensive part it was not good.

“We scored again, but since Siwelele’s first goal of Siwelele we were worried on the field, and we were afraid, and we had a lack of personality on the field.

The critical maximum points: Kaizer Chiefs occupy 4th place on the Betway Premiership log table with 8 points after four matches, trailing table-toppers Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns, who both sit on 13 points.

Looking to correct their defensive vulnerabilities, Da Cruz will take his side on the road for their next league match against Polokwane City F.C. on Saturday, 12 September 2026, with the clash scheduled to take place at the Peter Mokaba Stadium.