Chiefs in Crisis: Da Cruz Admits Attack Has Dried Up Ahead of Must-Win Arrows Clash
Kaizer Chiefs are running out of time, and Fernando Da Cruz knows exactly what’s missing.
Amakhosi crashed 1-0 to Zambia’s Red Arrows in Ndola on Saturday, leaving their Caf Confederation Cup group stage dream hanging by a thread.
Malian midfielder Alassane Diarra rose completely unmarked to head home a corner in the 77th minute, and that was enough to give the Zambians a precious lead heading to Durban.
Chiefs now need to overturn the deficit on Friday at the Moses Mabhida Stadium, and Da Cruz admits the attack must wake up.
“For sure we need to change something to create more chances,” he said.
“Normally we create a lot more chances in the PSL. This is the first time we have not created a lot and we need to analyse and change something to be able to qualify.”
The pressure is mounting. Chiefs are winless in their last four matches across all competitions, with the Arrows defeat following three straight Betway Premiership draws.
Da Cruz is calling for unity: “Most important in this period is that we must be together. The staff, players, management, fans, everyone. After this period we will have better results.”
Red Arrows coach Chisi Mbewe was pleased with the display but believes his side should have buried Chiefs.
“You can create so many chances and end up scoring just one goal,” he said.
“Our target was to score three goals in this game and you could see by the chances we created.”
He is also warning his players against taking their foot off the gas in South Africa.
“We need very strong mental strength when we travel to South Africa, we don’t need to be complacent,” he added.
